Hanson damages our reputation: Wong

Labor frontbencher Penny Wong is set to launch a passionate defence of immigration and diversity at the National Press Club.

Labor frontbencher Penny Wong

Labor frontbencher Penny Wong says the views of One Nation are damaging Australia's reputation. (AAP)

The views of One Nation are damaging Australia's international reputation and ignore the benefits of immigration, says Labor frontbencher Penny Wong.

Senator Wong will deliver a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday making the case for an "open Australia".

She will say diversity is a source of social, cultural and economic strength.

"It brings fresh perspectives, fosters creativity and drives innovation - all keys to our future prosperity," Senator Wong will say.

The Productivity Commission has estimated that maintaining migration at Australia's historical rates will increase per capita GDP by seven per cent by 2060 compared to a scenario of zero net migration.

"That's an extra $7000 for every Australian man, woman and child in current dollars compared to zero net migration - which is the policy of One Nation."

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said in her first speech to the Senate this year Australia was in danger of being swamped by Muslims, echoing her 1996 speech in which she said the same thing of Asians.

Senator Wong, who was born in the Malaysian state of Sabah and moved to Australia in 1976, will say the Hanson world view is a "narrow-minded and impoverished vision for the future".

"The views of One Nation and other hard right political forces resonate abroad - they affect Australia's reputation in the region," Senator Wong will say.

"Leaders from both major political parties have worked to build and strengthen Australia's relations in Asia.

"So it damages us all when these voices undermine the positive reputation so many Australians, in government, business, academia and cultural institutions, have worked to build."


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Published 8 November 2016 7:22am
Source: AAP


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