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

Today is the first day of the Persian New Year, Nowrouz Mobarak. In Bennelong, over the weekend, we celebrated Nowrouz with our first ever Persian New Year festival, delivering on an election commitment of mine to turn 'Top Ryde' into 'Little Persia'. Nowrouz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is an important cultural holiday for many people in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and other countries in the region. It is a time for families and friends to gather, exchange gifts and share a traditional meal. Nowrouz is a time of renewal and new beginnings. While there are many who are celebrating Nowrouz, we also know that many Persians in Iran have had a dreadful few months as they continue to face threats and persecution in their fight for full respect and their human rights. Just yesterday, the Minister for Foreign Affairs announced the single largest package of sanctions to be imposed on Iran by any country since protests began. The Albanese government has taken stronger action against Iran and the IRGC than any previous Australian government.

As we celebrate Nowrouz, we acknowledge the pain of many in my community and many abroad who continue to suffer. I'll continue to work alongside the Australian Iranian community in Bennelong to address the challenges they face. Nowrouz Mobarak. Sale no Mobarak.