“This is a good day for people of colour, Muslims and all of us working to build an anti-racist society.
“Today’s judgement is a win for every person who has been told to go back to where they came from. And believe me, far too many of us have been subjected to this ultimate racist slur far too many times in this country. Today the court found that to be a strong form of racism.
“Migrants and people of colour should know that they don’t have to be grateful and keep quiet. I will be louder and more defiant than ever.
“This ruling draws a line in the sand that hate speech is not free speech, and that people who racially target marginalised communities cannot get away with it scot free.
“Today’s landmark judgement is historic and groundbreaking and sets a new precedent for how racism will be viewed in this country from now on. It’s a warning for those like Pauline Hanson and I hope it emboldens individuals and communities to assert their rights to live free from racism.
“The court has made clear that there is no place for the relentless and vile racism so many of us have been copping throughout our lives here. It sends a strong message to racists that they will be held to account. I hope this helps us build an anti-racist Australia.
“The decision to take Pauline Hanson to court was not taken lightly, and it has taken a very personal toll on me and my family, but I did it for so many people who bear the brunt of racism and who are impacted by destructive racist language every single day. I have been vindicated today, and so have they.
“It is about time Senator Pauline Hanson faced consequences for the racism she’s been piling on Muslims, people of colour and First Nations people for more than 30 years. She has been found to have engaged in racist behaviour and I hope she reflects on that.
“Racism is rife in this country and Muslims are being marginalised, silenced, smeared and vilified more than ever for taking a stand against Israel’s genocide in Gaza. This decision becomes even more important in the context of rising Islamophobia.
“I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, my legal team, my family, my staff and those who have supported and encouraged me to take on racism. I will continue to do so. We are on the right side of history. Justice has prevailed.”
