On the same day the spotlight shone on people rolling out the welcome mat to migrants and refugees, the nation's leaders kicked around a political football.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten both addressed the Migration and Settlement Awards in Canberra on Wednesday night, a day after the government announced plans to change race hate laws.
Draft legislation to amend section 18C of the anti-discrimination laws was introduced to the Senate on Wednesday and the government is hoping to bring on debate next week.
That bill's fate appears doomed but a separate one that tightens up the Human Rights Commission's processes may have more success.
Mr Shorten told the awards dinner the majority of people advocating for the words "offend, insult and humiliate" to be changed to "harass and intimidate" had never come face to face with prejudice.
"These are powerful, vocal, middle-aged men, who think this is all just a thoroughly interesting philosophical discussion," Mr Shorten said.
"It's easy to denigrate a protection you never need. It's easy to dismiss a hurt you'll never feel."
He said it wasn't hypothetical for the man in a turban driving a cab, or working the night shift at a service station, being mocked by drunks.
"It's not an academic consideration for the child who comes home from school in tears because of what some bully said about the colour of her skin, or her funny name, or the favourite lunch her parents packed," Mr Shorten said.
Mr Turnbull used his speech to emphasise Australia was the most multicultural nation on earth.
"We are a lesson in harmony and security amid diversity," he said.
"We welcome newcomers with open arms and mutual respect because we are confident in our culture, our institutions and our laws."
He said in return the newest Australians pledge loyalty to Australia and its people, affirm shared democratic beliefs and agree to respect and uphold our liberties, rights and laws.
Mr Turnbull trumpeted the government's resettlement so far of 10,000 Syrians out of an intake of 12,000 announced in 2015.
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