Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Ruston. I understand that the questions that Senator Ruston raises relate to objections that appeared in some media outlets last week. As I've said, the United Muslims of Australia organisation is either run or led by Sheikh Shady Al-Sulieman. He is a well-respected and well-regarded Muslim leader in our community. In fact, he has worked with security agencies and governments, including coalition governments, for many years. As I said earlier, the UMA has a long and successful history of helping many young Muslims in Australia. In fact, you probably wouldn't have to look very far to find evidence of Mr Morrison, the former Liberal Prime Minister, meeting with Sheikh Shady when he was the Prime Minister and that is because Sheikh Shady is respected within the Muslim community and beyond.