Zali stands by calling out Dutton

Independent MP Zali Steggall says she doesn’t regret telling Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to “stop being racist” during a heated House debate on visas for Palestinians fleeing war-torn Gaza.

Ms Steggall made the controversial interjection after the Liberal leader repeatedly interrupted her.

Speaking to the ABC on Monday, Ms Steggall said it was “always better to keep your cool … But no, I don’t [regret it].”

“We see policies that are inherently racist and they’re designed to foster fear and hatred of a minority group, and the fear of the consequences of calling out means that the policy itself doesn’t get examined and called out, and that’s just bullying and intimidation,” she said.

“So no, I think it’s really important for the sake of our social cohesion, for Australia as a nation, to call this out.”

Mr Dutton drew criticism last week after he called for a blanket ban on people seeking refuge from Gaza, trying to paint the Albanese government as weak on national security.

He had demanded all visa applications from Gaza be refused amid claims people fleeing the war could pose a threat to Australia’s national security.

But Mr Dutton later went further, telling Sky News no one from Gaza should be entering Australia right now.

Ms Steggall repeated her assessment of Mr Dutton to media several times after their encounter in the House.

Over the weekend, Sky News reported the opposition leader was seeking legal advice.

The Prime Minister was again asked about Mr Dutton’s position on refugees from Palestine, but would not repeat Ms Steggall’s phrase.

“I think Peter Dutton is deeply divisive and well that creates a risk to the nation,” Anthony Albanese told ABC radio on Monday.

“With Peter Dutton, everything’s about politics, and everything is about division. What I’m concerned about is actually delivering on the issues … that really matter to Australians.”

More to come