Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As the nation gears up for the next federal election, I can't help but be filled with gratitude for the democratic processes that we freely enjoy here in Australia—freedoms that are not to be treated flippantly but are to be revered, upheld and fought for. I remember those of old who fought for the rights that we freely enjoy today, and I acknowledge those who today fight for democracy, with the hope of embracing democracy tomorrow—those courageous civilians in Myanmar.

The Myanmar people have held steadfast in their struggle against the militant Tatmadaw for three years from the forceful overturning of the democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi in February of 2021. We continue to champion their struggle against dictatorship, as hundreds of lives have been claimed, thousands have been unjustly arrested and many more are in dire need as a result of the ongoing oppression.

Australia has maintained diplomatic ties with Myanmar for over 70 years. Over the decades, we have supported Myanmar's transition from military rule to a democracy, culminating in the short-lived election victory we saw three years ago. We commend the many young people who have taken to the front lines in the fight for democratic processes and remember every life lost in the ongoing battle. So I take this opportunity to express my continued support for the end of the violence and the restoration of the inherent human rights of the Myanmar people. My prayer is that, with continued efforts, Myanmar will see the fruits of its people's labour and the nation will return to the path of democracy and freedom.