Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm reading this speech on behalf of Zaina Amro, a student who recently completed work experience in my office.

My name is Zaina. For years, I have been a dedicated volunteer of the Bayside City Council. I recently received an award and was asked to appear on the front cover of the local council magazine.

However, shortly after the magazine was published, it was removed from the website, and copies were discontinued. Zionists complained about my Palestinian flag necklace, which I wear daily to represent my heritage.

The council publicly apologised for "distress that may have been caused by the photos."

W hen did cultural expression become such a distressing issue?

I wasn't consulted during the decision-making process, wasn't given a formal apology, and wasn't protected.

My requests were ignored, and the council made it clear that appeasing Zionists was more important than celebrating a dedicated member of the community.

A sixteen-year-old girl's existence should never be denied because of a pendant.

For a council that values inclusivity & diversity, the failure to reflect these ideals is hypocritical. They claim to be "apolitical, impartial and promote social cohesion", yet choosing to erase my Palestinian identity is quite political.

How is being selectively inclusive, silencing and erasing me promoting social cohesion?

I will always stay true to myself and my core beliefs. I will not tolerate cheap words with no action from cowards in power who are complicit in a genocide.

FREE PALESTINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!