Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Right now it is the early hours of the morning in Egypt and Peter Greste has just spent his 49th birthday in a small, dark prison cell. Although he did at least receive a visit from his parents, this is not how he—or indeed anyone—should be spending his birthday.

But there is hope that he could soon be free. Recently, Egypt's President made sympathetic comments about Peter and his colleagues. And while a pardon has not been presented, our foreign minister, Julie Bishop has urged the Egyptian government to consider it. We, on both sides of the House, are all hopeful that this will happen before Peter's appeal in January next year. Peter's family is desperately hoping he will be home for Christmas. Not only do our hearts go out to Peter's family but also we have admiration for the way they have dealt with this harrowing situation. We must all continue to support Peter and his colleagues. Journalism is not a crime and the 337 days that Peter has already spent behind bars is 337 days too many. Once again, I call on the Egyptian government to release Peter and his colleagues.