Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Armenian genocide is one of the least known, least understood and least respected human tragedies of the modern era. It was the systematic eradication of a particular group of people and it was a genocide by anyone's definition of the word. Well over 20 countries around the world have officially recognised the genocide; Australia is yet to become one of them. I have long stood in this parliament calling for the elected leaders of our nation to recognise these events. Along with my colleagues the member for Bradfield, who is here, and the member for Bennelong, I am determined to see this become a reality.

It is 96 years since the beginning of the Armenian genocide, on 24 April 1915, when political, religious, educational and intellectual leaders were mercilessly put to death by the authorities. But the drive to have it formally recognised is now stronger than ever. A new generation of Armenians has become determined to see all governments around the world recognise the events of 1915 and beyond for what they were—the systematic genocide of the Armenian people. The Armenian community will not give up the fight. A resolution will not make up for the families of loved ones lost to the brutality of the events nor will it ease the terrible suffering of the Armenian people. But it will provide reassurance to the Armenian community and to good people all around the world that we recognise their pain and reaffirm our determination to ensure that genocide does not happen to any group, at any time or at any place.

Given that there are more members of the Armenian community outside the country than inside Armenia, it is only fitting that the country has a proactive strategy to engage the Armenian diaspora. Recently I met with Armenia's Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Hranush Hakobyan, on her short visit to Australia, during which she connected with the Armenian diaspora. Along with my federal colleague the member for Bradfield, I had the pleasure of meeting the minister and discussing the action being taken in Australia to recognise the genocide.

When my good friend Gladys Berejiklian was sworn in recently as the Minister for Transport in New South Wales, she became the first member of the New South Wales parliament with Armenian heritage to become a minister. She is a former board member of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, and I know that she will continue to advocate for the Armenian cause and that she will be a wonderful advocate for the Australian Armenian community. As a nation we were brought together as immigrants, imbuing us with the values of tolerance, understanding and a fair go. It is time we recognised the facts of the past to ensure the future does not contain such deplorable acts as the Armenian genocide. (Time expired)