Maria Kovacic (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

That means Minister Shorten can't ignore OPDs when they are passed by a majority in this place. It also means he can't hide behind the size of his department. He must comply, and failure to do so is a contempt of this chamber and its powers. Transparent government is what we were promised. If the arrangements behind the hiring of the speechwriter are all above board, if there is nothing to see here, then prove it. But suspicions are rightly raised when a minister finds every way possible to avoid transparency. It then begs the question of what is being hidden.

I don't know why the orders haven't been complied with. They are a rather simple order for the production of documents. Government done differently is what was promised by the Prime Minister. I doubt that voters at the last election expected that what this really meant is a government that hides from accountability, a government that does not respect the powers of parliament and ministers who think they are above the basic principles of responsible government.

Another matter that I would like to address before the Senate adjourns is the disturbing news emerging from Bangladesh, particularly the persecution of the Bangladeshi Hindu minority. I found the recent civil unrest to be very concerning, and I know this is particularly troubling for the Bangladeshi Australian community. I've been in contact with many members of this community and, quite rightly, they are incredibly worried to see the shocking scenes across the media and social media and hear reports from their family members in Bangladesh.

We often take for granted here in Australia the fundamental rights that we all enjoy: the right to freedom of speech, the right to worship the god of your choice, the right to vote and to stand for election, and the right to live free from government overreach in our personal lives. The news from Bangladesh should serve as a reminder to all of us to cherish these rights and not take them for granted. In not taking them for granted we must seek to uphold the rights of others where we can and not sit back in comfort in our own situation in the knowledge that others are not afforded the same rights and freedoms we are.

The Bangladeshi Australian community have contributed much to the success of our multicultural society, and we must stand with them and call out what is occurring in Bangladesh. The persecution of the Hindu minority must cease, and order must be restored for the benefit of all Bangladeshis. All efforts for peace and democracy must be supported. I thank the Senate.