New Liberal Senator for NSW Jim Molan has had a baptism of fire in his first days on the job.
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The retired major-general was sworn in to the Australian Senate on Monday, but was immediately on the defensive over his sharing of anti-Islam videos, insisting he is not a racist.
Senator Molan shared the videos by far-right UK group Britain First, which purport to show Muslim violence in Europe, on Facebook in March last year.
“I am not a racist and I am not anti-Islam,” Senator Molan told parliament after his swearing in on Monday.
He said he shared the videos because he was against violence and anti-social behaviour rather than Islam.
“Supposedly I'm asked to apologise for being anti-violent. Bizarre,” the NSW senator said.
Senator Molan said he could not have served in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Iraq, where he was chief of operations for coalition forces for a year, if he was a racist.
“I fought for Muslims in Iraq and many Iraqis were alive when I left because of the actions I took,” he said.
“I've had many Muslim friends through periods of intense conflict.”
Meanwhile, Senator Molan acknowledged the unusual path that has put him into his new role.
After Nationals deputy leader Fiona Nash lost her seat during last year’s dual-citizenship purge, her successor was also ruled ineligible due to a government appointment.
“Circumstances led to Fiona Nash losing her seat in the Senate. Hopefully she can find a way back to continue her great work for the Coalition,” Senator Molan said.
“Fate has given me the opportunity to contribute in this place and I look forward to upholding the highest traditions of diligence and probity.”
He said while he will be enthusiastically supporting the federal Coalition generally, he also has a specific interest in his home electorate of Eden-Monaro.
“The Coalition is providing the steady prudent direction the nation needs. I am proud to join my colleagues in this important task. I will continue to have input on national security issues, but will also expand my areas of responsibility, not least delivering for my home electorate, Eden-Monaro.
“The federal government has a range of commitments to Eden-Monaro including the NBN rollout, the mobile phone black spot program, road upgrades and other transport infrastructure improvements.
“I will work with my federal colleagues, local state government members and the region’s local councils to deliver better outcomes for residents and businesses. Also of great interest to me is Snowy 2.0 because it will give integrity to our energy system.”
The senator said the federal government also has a range of funding programs targeted at community organisations he is keen to promote around Eden-Monaro.
“Men’s sheds, surf clubs, bushfire brigades and similar grass-root groups are fundamental to local communities. I invite groups like these to contact my office and we’ll work with them to secure any funding opportunities that are available.
“I want to get around Eden-Monaro not only to see how we’re delivering but also hear how we can do better, and maybe identify new needs or ways of doing things.”
Senator Molan’s office can be reached at senator.molan@aph.gov.au or 6277 3695.
