Dave Sharma (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This coming weekend is Easter, when Christians across Australia will commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. I know, for many millions of Australians, this is an important spiritual occasion. This is also an important family occasion and an important festive occasion. Even if you do not believe strictly in the story of Jesus or his resurrection, I think his life—and there is no doubt that he lived and preached and was crucified and died—and his moral lessons continue to shape the society we live in today. The things he taught—the values he taught—about the inherent dignity and rights and freedoms of each individual no matter how humble their background, the equal accountability of the powerful and the powerless, and our duty towards our neighbours and our fellow citizens are values that have shaped Australia and should continue to shape Australia. I say to those who are passionate believers and those who are just Australians: I hope you have a happy and safe and blessed Easter.

I also want to extend my Passover greetings to Australia's Jewish community, because with this calendar, as Jesus went to Jerusalem at Passover, the calendars coincide—Passover and Easter. Passover of course commemorates the liberation of Israelites from ancient Egyptian slavery. It's also a story of redemption and freedom and defiance against the powerful and survival against the odds. Many Jews celebrating Passover this year will be doing so in sad and tragic circumstances after the events of Bondi last year. They should never have to fear for their safety when celebrating and commemorating their religion. Chag Pesach Sameach.