Madonna Jarrett (Brisbane, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Brisbane is home to a diverse, multicultural community where more than 31 per cent of our residents are born overseas and more than 200 languages are spoken. Our city is a vibrant mix of cultural influences reflected in the various foods, festivals and neighbourhoods. These last few weeks our community has celebrated Lunar New Year, Lent, Ramadan and Eid and, in the coming weeks, we will gather for Easter and Passover. Listening to community members and hearing their stories as they share their traditions is a great part of being a member of parliament.

But, while Brisbane is a vibrant and inclusive community, not everyone feels safe and valued. Last Friday I joined the Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs to visit the Brisbane synagogue to hear from members of our Jewish community. It is an understatement, to say the least, that it's been a very difficult time for that community. The Bondi attack was a stern test of our national character, and, as always, Australians have responded with the best of our national character by working together and putting an arm around each other. However, that community still feels scared, and they feel they cannot be themselves. There is more work to do, and the royal commission will be an important guide to that. But in this country no-one should be fearful of who they are, and we must do everything we can to stop fear and hatred from becoming permanent.

Australia clearly is stronger because of our multiculturalism. Our diversity has created opportunities that other countries envy. That's why I will always show up to listen and advocate for every community in Brisbane. Our differences are not something to tolerate; they are something to celebrate.

I also visited the north-side mosque in Lutwyche to meet the imam and the executive committee members and to wish them a joyful Eid. We talked about the Islam faith being grounded in compassion and kindness, how many members of the community who now call Australia home are here to build a better life, and, importantly, that no matter what faith you follow, you should be able to worship and practice your beliefs without fear. The mosque has been a part of the Lutwyche community for over 45 years, and it's a big part of the local community. They hold open days for locals to come and visit and to get to know their congregation. They also use an adjoining park to put on community events and many religious events. In fact, the morning I was there with Minister Hill, they had hosted over 2,000 people to mark the end of Ramadan.

I believe that Australia is at its best when we choose unity, compassion and care for one another, and we must always seek out ways to support our neighbours, our friends and our community. One of my aims as the member for Brisbane is to build a more harmonious and inclusive community. Social weakness is really distinguished by ignorance, intolerance and individualism, but social strength is just as strong when we accept differences and when we celebrate what makes us unique, and we're stronger when we stand together.

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