Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of my community today, I want to rise to thank the Prime Minister and the coalition government for our measured and generous response to the Syrian and Iraqi humanitarian crisis. I welcome the announcement that Australia will resettle an additional 12,000 refugees who are fleeing the conflict, particularly those most in need: the women, children and families of persecuted minorities. It is a significant response from our nation, and we will also deliver additional humanitarian support of $44 million to help more than 240,000 Syrian and Iraqi people who have been forced to flee their homes or seek refuge in neighbouring countries.

This is resonating deeply in my electorate, where many Central Coast locals have reached out to me in recent days. Sean from Umina Beach shared with me how disturbed he was, like many of us, after seeing the images coming out of Europe. Beth from Green Point also emailed me, saying, 'Let us do more,' and that she would gladly open her doors to help others. And Jasmin from Empire Bay had one line that stuck with me: 'Regarding this crisis, please act.' Today we have.

Of course, we also want to address not only the threat in Iraq, Syria and the Middle East but also our own national security. That is why the government's considered decision to extend air strikes against Daesh into Syria is also so important. Today's announcement regarding this humanitarian crisis is firmly in Australia's national interest. It reflects our rich history as a nation and the heartbeat I hear across my electorate.