Page 3384 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 19 October 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The Persian Australian Community Association of Canberra’s work in making sure that Canberrans are aware of what is happening in Iran is very important. I am alarmed by reports of people being killed and many more injured, arrested and detained, including teenagers, during the heavy-handed measures of the Iranian authorities cracking down on the ongoing protests. Journalists have been banned from entering Iran and government-imposed internet restrictions mean that the internet and social media sites have been blocked. These reports are deeply troubling and are a sustained effort by the Iranian regime to stifle freedom of information and
human rights.
Seeing women lead the way in fighting for their rights is incredibly powerful. The protests have rippled across the world, and I have seen the protests here in Canberra. The message is loud and clear: the world is watching and we are with the people of Iran. Women’s rights are human rights. Something that has really struck me has been the strength of the community. Whilst women are definitely the leading voices, seeing people of all genders and cultural backgrounds gather and support each other is something we can all learn from. I understand that, in standing up and taking part in the protests, those in the Iranian community are putting their lives on the line. I have heard their stories and I understand the impacts on their families in Iran and the deep pain that is felt.
Here in the ACT, we support the right of the Iranian people to protest peacefully. I stand to express my solidarity with all people in Iran who are fighting for human rights. I stand with Iranian women and girls in their struggle for equality, and I commend the federal government on their work in calling on Iran to cease its oppression of women. The Iranian embassy is located in Yarralumla, in my electorate of Murrumbidgee. I implore the ambassador, who enjoys his freedoms here in our country, to condemn the violence occurring against the citizens of Iran.
Here in the ACT and across Australia, we are committed to promoting gender equality and women’s human rights, empowerment, and ending violence against women and girls worldwide. I commend the Iranian community’s fight for women, life and freedom.
Ronald McDonald House Canberra
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (6.34): Tonight I would like to speak about Ronald McDonald House Canberra, which celebrated its 10th birthday last weekend. Ronald McDonald House Canberra has been providing a home away from home for over 3,600 families with children in the hospital over the past 10 years. They have the Ronald McDonald House, the Canberra family room, and the Batemans Bay family retreat, a home-like environment for families that are going through a difficult journey of childhood illness, premature birth or serious childhood injury, to get support, relax and recharge or spend meaningful bonding time together.
Ronald McDonald House Canberra provides holistic support to families throughout their child’s journey in the hospital. It also supports families in between and after hospital stays. Because whole families can stay at Ronald McDonald House in the hospital, they can visit their sick child at any time. Many people create long-lasting friendships with other families staying at Ronald McDonald House as well.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video