Steve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As we heard from the member for Bean, today marks the 50th year commemorating the brutal coup d'etat in Chile. The democratically elected Allende government was ousted by the brutal dictator Pinochet 50 years ago, and that ushered in an era of brutal dictatorship headed by Pinochet. It left a painful chapter in Chilean history, a pain still carried by generations today. Last night I had the honour to attend a memorial mass at St Christopher's Cathedral in the presence of his Excellency the Ambassador of Chile, Mr Jaime Chomali, who is here today in the gallery. In my electorate there is a particular person that I want to make mention of, Juan Garrido-Salgado. He was a survivor of the 1973 coup in July in Chile, and he embodies incredible strength despite enduring life-changing injuries during that period. He now resides in my electorate and serves on the inspiring Pablo Neruda Cultural Committee. He is an active member of the Chilean community in Adelaide.

In this 50th year of commemoration we also acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We stand in solidarity with all those who endured pain, both physical and mental, and today we honour all victims and those tirelessly working to heal their wounds by striving for truth and justice to ensure no repeat of the past. The search for disappeared victims strengthens our historical memory and unity, with still 1,162 people missing. (Time expired)