A group of white supremacists has sought to use the historic town of Corowa, which is in my Farrer electorate and the birthplace of federation, as the latest backdrop in their campaign to sow division and spread hate – they were rightly sent away and are rightly condemned.

I am heartened by reports that members of the community made it clear to these individuals that racism and hate has no place in Corowa. But I am saddened that this hate was forced upon members of my community, including many families who were simply enjoying their weekend, the day before the Corowa Show.

I want to thank the New South Wales Police for dispersing this group of thugs and sending them out of our community.

Corowa now joins Ballarat in being subject to this sort of unacceptable activity. It is clear this is part of a strategy to shock and provoke using regional towns. In recent months, similar activities have been rightly shut down in our cities.

We can not and should not tolerate gangs of balaclava covered thugs spouting hate anywhere in this country. Federal and State authorities have the Coalition’s support to take whatever action is necessary to dismantle this organisation and stop these sorts of activities occurring.

Australians should all be proud of the diversity of our multicultural nation. We must remember this group only represents an isolated minority, made up of radicalised individuals, and that the vast majority of our country stands against them.

We must redouble efforts to counter this radicalisation and equip our authorities with every necessary support to take stronger action.

For every day of the past 23 years, I have been so privileged to represent the incredible people of Corowa, but as I reflect on the community’s strength yesterday, I have never been prouder of them than I am today.