Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last Saturday I joined hundreds in walking together through Melbourne's CBD to say 'Welcome' in an event organised by the fantastic people at Welcome to Australia. We walked through the city to show our best side as Australians, who are decent, open, compassionate and above all empathetic to those who unfortunately have been placed in a position, through no fault of their own, of having to ask us for help. I know that Australians right around the country, I think in 23 cities and towns, did something similar. I know some of my colleagues took part in this demonstration. I was really pleased at the Melbourne event to be given the opportunity to say a few words, but I am sure that the most important aspect of this event and those around the country was hearing the lived experience of refugees, people who have been forced to come to Australia and then gone through the process of becoming Australian, or are still, in too many cases, seeking to go through that process. I was inspired by the bravery of the young women who shared difficult stories with many strangers to share this experience in the parliament, and I encourage others who heard these stories to go out there and make the case through these people's experiences for a more humane, more compassionate and better way forward.

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