Chris Hayes (Fowler, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to draw the attention of the House to a lone protester who is outside the front of the parliament. The protester's name is Mr Truong Quoc Viet, who is protesting against the ongoing human rights abuses by the communist government of Vietnam. Mr Viet is here for a limited time, while his wife and family are still in Vietnam.

Mr Viet takes the view that Australia is a very generous nation and has contributed much to the development of Vietnam, and he thinks that in view of providing that aid we should be insisting upon greater improvements in essential human rights for the people of Vietnam. Freedom and liberty is something we often take for granted in this place, but for many, including some of our valued trading partners such as the people of Vietnam, that is simply very much a distant dream.

I encourage all members, if they have the opportunity, to take a little time to go to the front of Parliament House and see Mr Viet in his tent. If you cannot converse with him in Vietnamese, please at least give him your business card. One thing that does unite all members across the chamber is our stand on positive human rights not only for Australia but for all those we deal with.