Sally Sitou (Reid, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My family has experienced the devastating consequences of conflict. My mother felt the desperation of carrying her baby as she fled across the Mekong River. They lived the uncertainty of waiting in a refugee camp. My family has also experienced hope. They've experienced the safety and refuge this country provided them, and I have benefited from those opportunities Australia has given me. I'm grateful; every day, I'm grateful. My family's story was only possible because men and women in this place turned to the better angels of their nature. In 1977, then prime minister Malcolm Fraser developed Australia's first comprehensive refugee policy. One year later, my family arrived in this country.

This is my direct appeal to the Leader of the Opposition: do not stoke fear in the communities. Do not undermine the work of our security agencies, because they are doing the important work of security vetting to keep us safe. Do not undermine the public trust in these institutions. From the daughter of migrants who had to flee conflict, this is my message to the Leader of the Opposition. I am appealing to the better angel of your nature. Be the person we need you to be, someone who aims to unite, not divide.