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

Today, of course, is World Refugee Day, and on World Refugee Day this year we reflect on the report of the UNHCR, which tells us that at the moment there are more displaced people than at any point in history—more than 65 million people. It is a sobering and troubling thought for all of us, but in this context I am inspired and continue to be inspired by the extraordinary contribution of refugees and their achievements in the communities I represent and in Australia more generally.

I am also inspired by the work of volunteers supporting those who have sought help and refuge in Australia from persecution in their homeland. I think about those who volunteer for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, the Whittlesea Community Connections in my electorate and great organisations like Welcome to Eltham. In recognising these people's achievements and the contributions of refugees, I reflect on the obligation of all of us in this place to engage in a respectful debate which recognises the significant public policy challenges that face us—practical, legal and moral—regarding the 65 million displaced persons. We can do better. In making my contribution, I say that I stand with refugees for respect and diversity.