The racist attacks on Asian restaurants and a Hindu temple in Melbourne are an attack on Australia and our core values.

They come on the back of a sickening string of racist and homophobic graffiti attacks in Melbourne in recent weeks.

When bigoted graffiti tells people to “go home” our response is clear: they already are.

Our government has taken the strongest possible line against hate speech and hate crimes.

We are committed to defending the right of all Australians to feel safe and be safe in their communities.

We stand with all Australians against anyone who would seek to make them feel unwelcome or unsafe.