Mike Freelander (Macarthur, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Something happened today which shook me to my very core. The footage circulating online this morning, which involves two alleged NSW Health personnel, is revolting, vile and dehumanising. They said they would kill any patient who was Israeli who was admitted to a hospital in the area health service where I have worked for 40 years.

I congratulate the New South Wales health minister, Ryan Park, for his rapid response, and I also congratulate the New South Wales Police and those involved in Strike Force Pearl for their investigation and their immediate action. The alleged role of these health professionals is just disgusting to me. They have abrogated their sacred responsibility as health workers.

The fact that they come from the area health service that I work in and live in our society is disgusting to me. We are all Australians. Our health workers deserve admiration, and the fact that they could behave like this is just revolting to me. It is important to know that our health workers do not discriminate on the basis of race or religion. Of all the people I've worked with in the health service, of all religions, I honour their responsibility and honour their service. What has happened today has shaken me to my very core, as a Jewish Australian.