David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

This week, I was so lucky to meet with three refugees from Iran, who have been part of our communities for years as our neighbours, workmates, colleagues and friends. It shocks people to know that, even with all the violence in Iran right now, the Labor government is refusing to give them permanent protection. It's saying that, regardless of the danger, they must return to Iran. Today, I want to read into parliament their words. Wasim said: 'We were held in Nauru for five years. It was such a hard and traumatic time because people lost their lives, children lost their education. I was sent there when I was 11 and was held there until 2018. After all these years, all I'm asking as a person that considers this country to be home is to have a permanent visa so that I can start to build my life like a normal human being.'

Ferdos said: 'I arrived in Australia at 10 years old, and now at 23 this is the only home I know. I remain on a bridging visa that expires every six months, living with constant fear of deportation. This uncertainty has placed my dream of becoming a human rights lawyer on hold. All my family and I are asking for is permanent protection, the chance to live with stability and dignity. We're part of Australia in every way except on paper.'

Rahman said: 'After fleeing Iran in 2013 I was forcibly sent to Nauru for three years. I've now spent more than 10 years living in this community, yet I'm still considered temporary. I'm a father of two. While one of my children is an Australian citizen, the other has no permanent status and faces the terrifying possibility of being deported back to Iran. There are hundreds of families like mine trapped in this limbo. All we're asking for is the security of a permanent home and the safety of our children.'

On behalf of the Greens, can I say I join with Wasim, Ferdos and Rahman. They are incredibly positive parts of our community, contributing in their workplaces and in their communities, and the Greens join with them to say to the Labor government that if you care about the people of Iran there are hundreds you can help right now by giving permanent protection to.