I was pleased to have the opportunity today to visit the Islamic College of South Australia in Adelaide.

The school is attended by 185 students from Kindergarten to Year 6. The students are drawn from 23 nationalities. It was recently the target of threats in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States and has resumed normal classes this week.

I utterly deplore the incidents of abuse and intolerance that have been directed against members of Australia's Muslim community. It is especially repugnant in this case that children were the victims of mindless intolerance simply because of their faith.

Australia's Muslim community has shared the horror and revulsion instilled by the terrorist actions in New York and Washington, DC. Muslim community leaders in Australia have strongly condemned terrorism, and have led prayers for peace.

In these difficult times we should be reaching out to each other on the basis of our common humanity and shared respect for the fundamental values that have made Australia such a great country. These include the right to express and share cultural and religious heritages and beliefs.

We must ensure that the bigotry and hatred which inspired the kind of acts witnessed in the United States is never allowed to take root in our country. In particular, a school for young children should never be the subject of threats and intimidation.