James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The government is pleased to note the breaking of the siege of Vienna on 15 October 1529 and is happy to encourage all members and senators to enjoy a croissant today, tomorrow and in the future in remembrance of this important occasion. However, to link this historical event to the present challenge of violent Islamism and the threat it poses to liberal democracies and other faiths is not accepted by the government. Violent Islamist extremism presents one of the most insidious and immediate national security challenges of our time, globally and within our own community. Over the last three years this government has embarked on the most comprehensive program of counterterrorism law reform in a generation to ensure the safety of the Australian people from terrorism.