Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday was 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini whilst in custody. Widespread protests continue across Iran and the world. In Iran, the protests have been met with a deadly crackdown. Since my first speech on this matter, I've been approached by many constituents in my community who remain concerned about the brutal treatment of Iranians by the Iranian government. These protests are now about more than the death of one person. They are an uprising against a government that has lost touch with its people. These protests are about human rights, they are about women, they are about life and they are about freedom.

Our Prime Minister and foreign affairs minister have expressed in no uncertain terms Australia's condemnation of Iran's treatment of protesters and of women who are seeking non-discriminatory and fair treatment by their government. Australia has made this condemnation known directly with the Iranian embassy in Canberra, to the media, to our international counterparts and to our strong and passionate Iranian and Kurdish communities in Australia.

I cannot begin to understand the pain, the anger and the frustration of those communities in Bennelong. I have a responsibility to those in my community to continue to be your voice to the government on this matter. I stand with those who fear for their families and their homeland. I stand with the brave men and women in Iran protesting for their right to live freely and safely. Zan, zendegi, azadi—women, life, freedom.