Pauline Hanson on Monday brought forward the motion, which called on the Senate to note “the deplorable rise of anti-white racism and attacks on Western civilisation” and “that it is OK to be white”.
It was defeated 31-28, but Liberal senators including Tasmania’s Eric Abetz, Jonathon Duniam, David Bushby and Richard Colbeck voted in support.
The phrase “It is OK to be white” has been used by far-right, neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups to stoke racial division.
The motion was condemned ahead of the vote as racist by Senator Derryn Hinch and Greens leader Senator Richard Di Natale.
“The reality is the ‘It’s OK to be white’ slogan has got a long history in the white supremacist movement,” Senator Di Natale said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s support was “regrettable”, while Mr Porter said it was the fault of staff in his office.
“An early email advising an approach on the motion went out from my office on this matter without my knowledge,” Mr Porter said in a statement.
“This one was not escalated to me because it was interpreted in my office as a motion opposing racism.
“The associations of the language were not picked up. Had it been raised directly with me those issues would have been identified.”
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion and his Cabinet colleagues Michaelia Cash, Simon Birmingham, Mitch Fifield, Matt Canavan and Bridget McKenzie all voted in favour.
Mr Porter said he was reviewing the processes in his office, which had put government senators in a difficult position because their advice was to vote for the motion.
Senator Mathias Cormann, leader of the government in the Senate, also took responsibility for what he said was a mistake.
The Senate voted again on the motion on Tuesday and the government members voted it down.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission said the slogan
“It’s OK to be white” had long been associated with the white supremacist movement.
“This phrase has been deployed as a propaganda tool, and is part of a broad and energised outreach campaign by far-right extremists searching for mainstream platforms that can legitimise and amplify their vile and violent ideology,” he said.
“The dramatic surge in anti-Semitism and bigotry that we have seen over the last few years and should serve as a wake-up call for our elected leaders that this dangerous agenda must never find a foothold in our parliaments or in community.”
Comment has been sought from each of the Tasmanian senators.