Jamie Chaffey (Parkes, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to begin by acknowledging the family and friends of the victims and survivors that join us in the gallery today. It is unthinkable in this, our country, that families enjoying a peaceful and happy celebration should suddenly find themselves protecting their children from bullets and hiding in a place that was never, ever designed for hiding. This attack—this horrific, unbelievable attack—struck at the heart of what it is to be an Australian at one of our most recognisable iconic Australian locations.

Fifteen people who got up on the morning of 14 December and dressed and packed for a celebration at the beach did not come home. May they rest in peace. The hundreds, if not thousands, of people who loved those 15 victims awoke the following morning to a life that is forever altered. My heart and the heart of the Parkes electorate community goes to those families. I am sorry that two people with hate at their core have taken the people that you love.

My thoughts and the thoughts of the Parkes electorate community go to those people injured, who ran with their children and who will forever bear the scars of fear. This is not Australia as we know it. This is not Australia as we grew up, where Aussies come in all shapes and sizes and help each other live a free and caring life. This was not an Australian act. The best of Australia was on display in the moments following the horrific attack, with our dedicated, selfless first responders and lifeguards acting to save lives. Our ambulance officers, doctors, nurses, police and emergency services are the true heroes.

In this parliament we must come together to show those who have had their lives torn apart that this cannot happen again. We must show Australians who felt the horror at this happening in our home that this is not right. We must act so that our good people, whatever their beliefs, are valued and that they are safe. A Holocaust survivor, a retired detective, a happy couple, a girl called Matilda—they all deserve better. I hope that in this place, where we represent all Australians, whether they're from Condobolin or Canberra, Darwin or Devonport. We can lead by example. I hope we can find a way to ensure people can celebrate in safety at a beach, in the desert, in a rainforest or at home in their own suburb without fear. We must find workable safeguards that do not punish the many millions of Australians who do the right thing whilst also removing the dark stain of hatred that led to this attack. As we remember those who died and those who will forever relive the horror, we will fight to find the best way forward to preserve our beautiful Australian way of life.

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