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Minister Penny Wong responded fiercely to the criticisms, particularly targeting Pauline Hanson and Justina Price. She accused Hanson of promoting division and labeled her actions as "pedaling in division." Wong emphasized that respect and reconciliation are core values, and she challenged her colleagues to uphold these principles.
Wong also criticized those who dismiss the cultural significance of the Welcome to Country, asserting that it is a symbol of respect and acknowledgment of Indigenous sovereignty.
Cash’s Emphatic Defense and Personal Reconciliation
Michaelia Cash’s intervention was particularly pointed. She highlighted Senator Price’s personal background, saying:
"Her father is white, her mother is black. Her life and her work have been rooted in reconciliation."