Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Over the last week we have seen the most devastating loss of innocent life in Israel and in the Palestinian occupied territories, and the most horrific stories and images coming out of the Israel-Hamas conflict. These are images we can't ignore in and of themselves and, of course, in terms of their impact on many members of the Australian community. Innocent Israelis, and Palestinians too, have suffered and will continue to suffer unspeakable atrocities, and I condemn unequivocally the abhorrent terrorist atrocities committed last week by Hamas. My thoughts are with those killed or injured and of course with those who are in mourning too.

Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people; indeed, it undermines Palestinian needs and aspirations. What happened on 7 October was an attack on the values shared by democratic and peaceful nations, including Australia. Such acts of terror are an affront to everything that Australians hold dear. A vicious cycle of violence now threatens to consume an entire region, ruining the lives of millions more innocent Israelis and innocent Palestinians alike. We can't stand by. I note the announcement by the Prime Minister that Australia will provide an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by this conflict, with $3 million going to the International Commission of the Red Cross to fund urgent needs, like restoring essential services and providing medical support. Through UN agencies, another $7 million will deliver critical support, like emergency water, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as child protection.

Right now, closer to home, we recognise that emotions are raw. There will be many Australians who are deeply affected by this conflict and horrified by the conditions faced by those in affected areas. Many have friends or family in Israel or in Gaza. Many are scared and concerned for the future of family and friends in their homes in the region. Those who have returned or who will return from the affected areas will need help and support. I am proud of the efforts of my department in helping to facilitate the departure of around 1,200 Australians and their families from Israel, principally, and also from the occupied Palestinian territories. Work is underway to seek assistance for those Australians currently in Gaza; the foreign minister is working closely with international partners to try to secure safe passage.

More broadly, it's more important now than ever before that the community stays in touch with loved ones and support services. And it's more important now than ever before that Australians support each other. In times of crisis, the Australian community is at its very best when we come together. I see my role and responsibility as working to reinforce these best angels in our communities. I recognise the support that our diverse communities provide to each other through times of adversity as one of our greatest strengths. I recognise too that we are a great multicultural nation—a nation of diversity but also of inclusion. Of course, it's common for those in this place to say that we have built the world's most successful multicultural society—and I agree. People of different faiths, languages and ethnicities have come to know Australia as a place where everyone belongs, where people can live alongside each other in peace and harmony. But we can't take this for granted; recent events have shown us this. Everyone in this country must feel safe and they must feel free to express who they are.

In that light, of course, we respect the right of anyone to protest peacefully, but violence and hate will not be tolerated—ever. Words matter; there is no place in this country or in society for hate or prejudice of any kind. There's no place for antisemitism, there's no place for Islamophobia and there's no place for racism. At times like these we should work to draw on our strengths as a multicultural society in a country where everyone belongs. We should work to be united and we should not let those who seek to divide us do us harm.

We should not let those who seek to divide us do us all harm. As our security agency said last week—and this bears repeating—it's important that all of us 'consider the implications for social cohesion when making public statements'. Words matter. As a government, and I hope as a parliament, we're all working hard to strengthen social cohesion across the country. That's where my focus is right now. Firstly, by working closely with our multicultural interfaith groups, listening with intent— (Time expired)

See this speech in context