Sarah Witty (Melbourne, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support the motion moved by the member for Corangamite and I thank her for bringing it to the house. It is important that this parliament speaks with clarity and with conscience about what is happening in Afghanistan and about the prosecution faced by the Hazara people and other minorities under the Taliban. The reality is stark. Since the Taliban's takeover, Hazara communities have faced targeted attacks, discrimination and constant threats of violence. Women and girls have been removed from public life. Religious minorities have been pushed further into danger. No part of Afghan society has been free from the effects of repression. For many Australians, this is not a distant story. In a country as diverse as ours, people feel these events through their families, their friendships and their sense of identity. Multicultural organisations and community leaders I have met speak often about their worry for loved ones overseas and their desire to see Australia continue to stand firmly for human rights. This motion reflects these values and those expectations.

This motion also calls for the protection of all minorities as well as women and girls. That call is not symbolic. It aligns with Australia's longstanding commitment to international law and to the safeguarding of human rights. The Albanese Labor government has consistently condemned the Taliban's abuse at the United Nations Human Rights Council and at the General Assembly. Australia co-sponsored the UN resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, urging the protection of human rights, adherence to international law and decisive action against terrorism. Australia, together with Canada, Germany and the Netherlands, has also initiated proceedings under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women to hold Afghanistan to account for the systematic discrimination against women and girls. This is a strong and principled step, and it is consistent with who we are as a country. Australia's support does not depend on the country or the context. It reflects a belief that human dignity must be defended wherever it is threatened.

Values matter, but so does action. Since 2021, Australia has provided more than $260 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, delivering food, shelter, health services and essential protection programs especially for women, children and minority groups. Following the devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan in August, the Albanese government committed an additional $1 million in urgent relief. Our assistance goes to the Afghan people, not to the Taliban regime. DFAT continues to monitor the situation closely, working with partners to ensure that our support remains principled, targeted and effective.

The final part of this motion recognises the contribution of Hazara Australians to our country. That acknowledgement is important. Hazara Australians enrich our culture and social life. They contribute to our workforce, our schools, our businesses and our communities. Their resilience and determination reflects something fundamental about the Australian story.

People given safety and opportunity build stronger communities for everyone. I see that in Melbourne every day. People who've come here seeking stability give back through hard work, community involvement and a commitment to build a better future. In Melbourne we see the strength of multicultural communities that care deeply about fairness, compassion and justice. These values are at the heart of this motion, and they are the values that guide my work as the member for Melbourne. I am proud to serve one of the most diverse electorates in the country, proud to stand up for dignity and equality, and proud to support motions like this that call on Australia to remain steadfast in defending human rights.

Acknowledging persecution is not enough, but it is necessary. Calling for protection is not enough, but it is right. Australia must continue to show leadership, uphold international law and stand with communities who face discrimination and violence. We do this because it is the fair thing to do, because it reflects the values of Australians and because every person deserves the chance to live with safety, dignity and hope. I commend this motion to the House.

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