Ross Hart (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There are occasions when you are reminded about the privilege that it is to serve in this place as a member or a senator—and, indeed, yesterday, on the occasion of the delivery of the apology, was one such day. But in my mind, there was one issue left unsaid, not discussed. This produced an opportunity for people to email and bring to the attention of members of parliament an issue that I think is vitally important—that is, the treatment of children who are presently on the island of Nauru. It's important that this parliament acts as soon as it can to give effect to the medical advice that is available to the minister to enable the repatriation of children who are suffering from psychological damage on Nauru. There is also an opportunity for members of our communities to take positive action. A small group in my electorate raised, in the course of an event on Saturday night, the amazing amount of $11,517 in order to assist the work of the Asylum Seeker Resource Network. I commend the efforts of that small group.