Nicolette Boele (Bradfield, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Like in so many places all around the world, Iranian Australians wake up every morning desperately checking to see what's happened overnight in the war in Iran, desperately hoping for confirmation that their loved ones are safe. My team has been meeting with impacted Bradfield constituents to understand what, if anything, we can do to help them.

One young woman had a clear message for our government which I promised to pass on. She urges the government, the Australian government, to take a clear, principled stand with the people of Iran. As the regime continues to lose legitimacy, she says that it's vital that Australia does not offer even symbolic support. She has three clear asks. Firstly, reject the regime. Ensure Australia does not participate in any mourning of the late supreme leader or allow any platform for his praise. Secondly, end the silence. Pressure the regime to immediately restore full internet access. The current digital darkness is a deliberate tactic to stop the world from hearing the people's cries for help and to hide mass executions. And, thirdly, support a democratic transition. Recognise the need for a stable transition to a secular democracy. I stand with my Iranian Australian constituents at this time of immense upheaval and stress.