Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today is Valentine's Day, so I hosted a show your heart event in recognition of the confronting plight faced by Afghan women and children. I felt humbled today to work alongside Rita Anwari, Founder of the Australian Afghan Chamber of Commerce; Susan Hutchinson, Director of Azadi-e Zan; Fatima, a young refugee; and Nilofar Ibrahimi, a former Afghan member of parliament. This event provided valuable insight. Members of parliament heard about the stories of Afghan women, the increasing restrictions that are being imposed by the Taliban and the risks that they are facing.

The stories shared today provide important lessons on why our government must improve its response to Afghan people in need. In fact, our whole parliament must do this. Delays in the processing of humanitarian visas are leaving thousands of applicants in life-threatening situations. We need to think beyond one visa class. These are highly skilled women. They should be coming here under the skilled migrant stream.

I thank the women and the MPs who came along today. I also acknowledge Rose Beltchev from my office, who coordinated the whole event from Mayo. She came here today. I thank all who attended. We must change this.