Sophie Scamps (Mackellar, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to call on the Australian government to do more to support the women and people of Iran. On 16 September 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was killed while in the custody of Iran's morality police. Her crime? Having hair visible under her headscarf. Mahsa's death has set off a wave of demonstrations and protests across the country, led by brave women who have had enough of the oppressive Iranian regime. Women, men and even school-age children have taken to the streets to demand equality and women's rights, chanting their motto—women, life, freedom. Iran's oppressive regime has responded to these peaceful protests with bullets. It is estimated that 222 protestors so far have been killed, some as young as 12.

As a responsible global citizen, Australia must do more. We must join countries such as the US, the UK, Canada and European nations in placing sanctions on the Iranian morality police. Australia's silent support for the women of Iran is not enough. We must stand up and demand Iran's regime stop killing its people and extend full human rights to all of its citizens. It's time Australia stood up and did more to support men, women and children of Iran.