John Madigan (Victoria, Democratic Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I stand to speak in support of this motion and in memory of those who lost their lives defending their freedom from the oppressive and totalitarian regime of the Soviet Union in the months between 23 October 1956 and January 1957. Democracy is a fragile thing, hard to secure and easily lost. At that time the Soviet oppression was supported by the Australian Communist Party, and I remember only too well the very real threat of Communism to Australia during those years. As a member of the Labor movement, I hope the Senate recognises the loss of over 20,000 Hungarian lives and the contribution that has been made by the many Hungarian and Soviet refugees who settled in Australia after that country's brave attempt to secure its freedom.