Alan Ferguson (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a)

celebrates and commends the achievements of the Turkish community here in the Commonwealth of Australia that has been created as a result of this agreement in the 40 years since its implementation;

(b)

notes that once enemies on the battlefields of Gallipoli, the Commonwealth of Australia and the Republic of Turkey have established a unique relationship and bond forged in the blood of young men from both nations and that this uniqueness at the core of deep rooted relations between the two countries gained even more momentum by the unforgettable reconciliatory remarks of the Founder of the Modern Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, to the mothers of fallen Anzacs ‘...You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well’;

(c)

notes the Turkish nation is now a friendly power and members of the Turkish community have now integrated into Australian society;

(d)

acknowledges the unique relationship that exists between Australia and Turkey; a bond highlighted by both nations commitment to the rights and liberties of our citizens and the pursuit of a just world, highlighted by the statement of Ataturk ‘Peace at Home, Peace in the World’;

(e)

commends the Republic of Turkey’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law and secularism; and

(f)

on this, the 40th anniversary of the Formal Agreement between The Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of The Republic of Turkey concerning the Residence and Employment of Turkish Citizens in Australia, pledges Australia’s friendship, commitment and enduring support to the people of Turkey as we celebrate this important occasion together.

Question agreed to.