Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

As we approach the Christmas season, we should rejoice in the fact that Australia is one of the world’s most open and free societies. We are a true democracy that reflects freedom—freedom of speech and expression, freedom of political association and freedom of worship as well as freedom from want and freedom from fear. Our citizens are free to choose where they live within our shores and are free to travel throughout the world. Like other open liberal democracies of the world, our society and lifestyle are a beacon of hope to all those who are oppressed or persecuted.

This parliament is at the epicentre of our democracy. It is the battleground of ideas, not of weapons. While we have disagreements on policy, both sides of the House are fundamentally committed to making a difference for the betterment of the lives and communities of all in Australia and in other places around the world. The coalition members believe that the ideas and policies they bring to this place not only are good ideas and good policies but are right and just for Australia. The government members believe that their ideas and policies are right and just, and we can agree to disagree. But we must respect each other’s views. We must not seek to prevent each side from arguing passionately for their ideas and their policies. We should not personally denigrate, ridicule or vilify those whose views differ from our own. This is part of the strength of our great parliament, the strength of our system of representative parliamentary government. The diversity of views, the passion with which ideas are debated must be done with civility and respect, with good humour and with humility.

I had my ideas of robust parliamentary debate rather expanded after a recent visit to our friends in South Korea. I was discussing our democratic traditions, and one of the members of the South Korean National Assembly told me that, as many of the male members of parliament have a background in martial arts through their mandatory national service, when things get a little heated in the assembly they resort to rather robust tactics to make their point, including taking the Speaker hostage by surrounding the Speaker’s chair and then neatly landing a few tae kwon do kicks on the backs of their opponents. In fact, I was sent a YouTube link to their latest fracas last July. I must admit that I was in awe of the female members of the national assembly who joined in the fray. I suggest that the YouTube link is worth looking at. Although, Mr Speaker, I am not suggesting any change to the standing orders in this place, when the Leader of the House asked the Manager of Opposition Business to step outside recently the image was almost too good to resist.

Our democratic process is a source of strength and stability. We respect election outcomes however painful. Australians do not seek to overthrow their governments but reserve their passion for the ballot box where they are free to vote as they please. Sadly, this is not the case internationally where we still see political differences settled by violence and by the intervention of military forces. While I would not be so presumptuous as to assume that our system of government is so perfect or so ideal that it should be adopted by every other government around the world, I do believe that most people have the same aspirations for freedom and for choice. People the world over aspire to personal freedom and to go about their lives free from the threat of violence. They want a peaceful environment in which to raise their families and to build a more prosperous life.

During the past year we have seen the struggle continue between the extremists, who seek to impose their vision and control on others, and those who are defending freedom. At this point I pay tribute to Australia’s armed forces who are serving or who have served particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Special Air Service is in my electorate and this year I was privileged to visit the troops who are serving in Afghanistan to demonstrate our support for their work overseas. The world was uplifted at the start of this year by the election of President Obama, who spoke of his aspirations for ridding the world of nuclear weapons and for promoting greater peace and cooperation. While some nations have continued their pursuit of nuclear weapons and others have continued to jail and oppress political opponents, democracies of the world have continued to work for greater stability and prosperity for all the people around the world.

I take this opportunity to place on record my thanks to the many people who have supported this place throughout the past 12 months. I want to thank my colleagues in the Liberal Party. I am honoured to have been elected their deputy two years ago and I take my role as deputy leader very seriously.

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