Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to follow on from the previous speaker in saying that there is an enormous challenge ahead for not just our generation but future generations in making sure we take on the challenge of Islamic extremism, Daesh and all of its different guises. Today we fully acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the government and coalition forces in combating the atrocious and hateful crimes of ISIL and the tragedy that is befalling so many people across the world. There simply is no place for the jihadism, misogyny, temporary forced marriage, polygyny or patriarchal coercion that exists in the 21st century, as well as the acts of horrific violence that are committed by people in groups such as ISIL against vulnerable and innocent people who have done no wrong and should not become victims simply because of who they are or how they live their lives.

The atrocities inflicted on minorities, in particular, by ISIL are indefensible. Their actions represent the worst outcome of an extremist interpretation of Islam that is profoundly incompatible with the modern world. The free world does not seek to homogenise belief or conscience; instead it affirms diversity and advocates for tolerance and mutual respect. Those are the sorts of values that are directly under assault when you look at ISIL and its objectives around trying to dehumanise people unless they conform to a particular world view—and in the most aggressive and violent way possible if it suits their ends.

These sorts of values of tolerance and mutual respect are central to our way of life, which is why there is such a polarity between us and them. This is not to seek a dichotomy and simply to say, 'It is us and them, and you are with us or you are against us.' It is simply to highlight that the inconsistency between who we are and what they are seeking to achieve is so great because they envisage a future without the values that we share, the values of liberalism and democracy that we hold so dear and that foster and create a society of tolerance and mutual respect for all.

Our Defence Force has an important role in assisting and advising the Iraqi government to help build capacity and take control of their borders and security. It is equally important and crucial in a contemporary sense that the Iraqi security forces take back Mosul. It forms part of broader objective to undermine the claim of terrorist organisations for a so-called Islamic caliphate. For Iraq to benefit from enduring stability, it must secure its own borders and be able to resist any resurgent terrorist activity once ISIL is defeated. That is a long-term objective of the 400 Australian Defence Force personnel currently involved at the invitation of the Iraqi government. We acknowledge today the heroic efforts of those who serve in uniform for our great country for their contribution today not only in seeking to aspire to the values of our country but in promoting peace and security in that region as well as in protecting so many people who would otherwise be victims of the insane political ideology that seeks to use violence as a means of expanding its influence.

There are also other security concerns beyond the Middle East as foreign terrorist fighters start to return home, whether that is in Europe, South-East Asia or, indeed, Australia, where sometimes there are threats. That is where the tragedy of last week's footage of Melbourne's landmarks was featured in the terror group's hateful propaganda videos. These messages call for lone wolf attacks on the streets of Brunswick and Broadmeadows and at the MCG, while showing recordings of violent acts, including beheadings and bomb blasts.

A government's first priority is to protect the safety of its residents by both securing its borders and holding those people who wish to commit crimes, violent crimes against its citizens, to account. That is why the political objective of this government has been so important not just around border security but following it through to making sure it delivers security for people within our country. As such, the coalition has increased the funding and legislative powers of our law enforcement and security agencies, giving them the resources needed to protect us from hardened terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life.

Getting the balance between how we have those security agencies keep us safe and free is always difficult, and that is why I will never shy away from being engaged in those important conversations as part of getting the framework right to preserve the freedom that we hold so dear so that we do not end up selling short ourselves or the traditions and values that we inherit to give to future generations. Behind the ideological conflict for Islamic fundamentalism, the stories of human misery are the real tragedy. We fight this conflict for the sake of our children and those who have suffered so much already but also those who tragically may suffer into the future. We must gift upon this world a nation as well as a world where we seek mutual respect and harmony to the advancement of all. (Time expired)

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