Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Tuesday, 12 March, I joined together with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Bob Carr, fellow parliamentarians and friends from the Bosnian Community, including the Ambassador for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Damir Arnaut, for the unveiling of a new sculpture at Parliament House by local artist Adis Fejzic. With 7 January 2013 marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Australia, the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina set out to commemorate this occasion in recognition of the strong ties between the two countries. Ambassador Arnaut embarked upon this initiative with a view that Australia's generosity to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people, at a time when they most needed it, merited not only a celebration but a lasting memento. I was proud to stand among such outstanding people to unveil a sculpture that will be a truly historic symbol of the strong relations we have with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The artist, Adis Fejzic, is a Bosnian-Australian artist from Queensland. During his studies at the well-respected School of Fine Art in Sarajevo he was first recognised by his teachers for his exceptional artistic talents. The sculpture, called Stecak, contains the opposites of visual and spiritual significance of the raw, rough stone with the elements that have been transformed by the human hand. It contains four different symbols. It is just outside the House of Reps doors, and it combines all the children of Abraham symbols: a Catholic symbol, a Jewish symbol, and a symbol from the Muslim faith as well. It is a great piece of stonework to be commended. (Time expired)