Keith Wolahan (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thirty-nine days ago, Mahsa Amini died while in police custody in Tehran. She died at the age of 22. She was a young woman seeking a professional life, longing for freedom. Zan, zendegi, azadi: women, life, freedom.

In this parliament, my electorate of Menzies has the highest number of Iranian Australians. From top students to cutting-edge entrepreneurs to doctors helping to cure cancer, I am proud to be their representative. They came here seeking a better life for their families, but I know that a piece of their heart aches over what is happening in their homeland. That is why last Saturday, in Melbourne, they turned out in their thousands in the pouring rain. They have done their part. It is now time for us to do ours.

It is not good enough that Iran remains a member of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. It is not good enough that the Iranian regime sends to Russia drones to attack civilians in Ukraine. It is not good enough that the revolutionary guard corps travel freely, while they assault freedoms at home.

Thirty-nine days ago, a fire was started. The rain won't put it out; neither will time. Zan, zendegi, azadi.