Australian Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has seized on violent riots in Melbourne to back his claim that there are pockets of systemic racism in Australia.
Seven people were arrested as more than 500 people rallied in heavy rain against both Islam and racism in Coburg on Saturday.
"When we see people have violent brawls, that to me highlights some of the problems we have in our community," Shorten told reporters in Canberra today. "The truth of the matter is there are pockets of systemic racism."
However, on the same day his home city had also shown the good side of humanity. Shorten joined Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and AFL great Michael Long for a walk for indigenous reconciliation on Saturday afternoon ahead of the Dream Time at the G clash between Essendon and Richmond.
Turnbull and Shorten will take part in the first election debate tonight.