Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, called for immigrants' social media to be screened and claimed children are being taught to be ashamed of the Australian flag in an untelevised speech before an Anzac memorial service on the steps of the Sydney Opera House on Friday.
Rinehart's public appearance was attended by about 4,000 people and sponsored by her company, Hancock Prospecting, and RSL New South Wales. In her remarks, later posted online, she accused the Australian government of wasting money, eroding freedoms, running an ineffective defence force, leaving veterans homeless, and doing nothing in response to 'death chants'.
Rinehart's Statements on Immigration and Security
“Our immigration procedures must only allow immigrants who have been thoroughly checked – including their phones, iPads, laptops and social media,” Rinehart said. “We need to protect our country – and welcome only peace-loving, contributing immigrants to our shores. This should not be controversial. What Australians really want their families’ lives hurt by terrorists?”
She condemned the “despicable, hate-filled act – the murder of our Jewish friends, peacefully gathered in Bondi at the commencement of Hanukkah” and said Australia’s response had been inadequate. “After the Jews, who is next? Roman Catholics? Other peaceful faiths? As none are in accord with the religion acceptable to terrorists.”
Rinehart questioned whether it was adequate “when we know that many in our Jewish community are still living in fear of their lives” and noted a recent rally with “death chants” on Macquarie Street. “What happened to laws against hate speech, are those laws deaf when hate and death chants are yelled?” she asked.
Support for Veterans and Defence
During the televised section of the event's prerecorded video introduction, Rinehart said, “I warmly welcome your call for all Australians to generously support our veterans. Our companies support, and I hope many more Australians will support, our veterans.”
Her company announced on Thursday it would put $200 million towards buying properties to convert into housing for homeless Australian veterans, described as “the biggest ever private commitment for Australian veterans”. Rinehart has previously donated to RSL, Soldier On, the Commando Welfare Trust, Legacy, and the legal defence of former special forces personnel through the SAS Resources Fund.
At last year’s service, she called for Australia to lift its defence budget to 5% of GDP and invest in “Israeli-style” drones.
Attendance and Reactions
Rinehart sat in the front row with staff including Tad Watroba, a Hancock Prospecting executive director. Dozens of attendees waved and shouted thanks to her at the service’s conclusion, shaking her hand and taking photos.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor, who has called for migrants’ online presences to be screened, spoke briefly to Rinehart after the service. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles also attended and spoke before the event’s official commencement, as did New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk and event patron former Governor General Peter Cosgrove. Marles’ office did not respond when asked about Rinehart’s remarks.
Other attendees included former Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and John Howard, Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley, state opposition leader Kellie Sloane, and state energy minister Penny Sharpe.
