I am disappointed that the Federal Court has rejected my appeal relating to the claim against me by the Greens’ Senator Faruqi.
My legal team and I will now closely review the decision in the coming days, with a view to commencing an appeal in the High Court of Australia.
Public discussion in Australia has become almost totally silenced by laws and rules which prevent ordinary people expressing their personal views in case some small part of our society takes some sort of offence or feels hurt or “distressed”. This has never been, nor ever should be, the Australian way.
We all need to have the courage – and the freedom – to say what we think on issues that are important to us all. Some of those views may not be what certain people would like to hear, but that doesn’t mean that they are not valid views, and it certainly doesn’t mean that people should be prevented from having a voice on topics which are critical to our country’s future.
I was incensed by the incredible disrespect that I felt was shown to our late Queen on the day of her death by Senator Fahruqi and others. I simply wanted to call that out.
For me, respect for our institutions of Government; for our collective moral compass; and for the principles – including respect for our Head of State – which together have shaped this wonderful nation, are vital attributes which all Australians should embrace.
If people in Australia are scared or forbidden to freely express themselves, then those values are eroded. I am here to fight for all Australians to ensure that such a dark day never comes.
I sincerely thank all those who continue to support me in this legal process.