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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 12 Hansard (13 November) . . Page.. 3551 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

recognise that environmental and social calamities are hitting the poorest in the world, and we the richest must accept much more responsibility. We need to recognise our common humanity rather than seek to divide ourselves from others on the basis of religion, income, culture or race. This is as true and urgent internationally as it is within our own city.

We must find the politics of hope. It is as simple as that. Bush, Blair, with John Howard, just like the terrorists and totalitarians they believe they are opposing, are unable to give us that. Their flag waving, drum beating and heroic posturing demonstrate day after day that they are the wrong leaders for this time. We have to find the leadership closer to home.

War on Iraq is misguided and destructive, and the United Nations must play an increasing role in resolving conflict and supporting peace. But how can that happen must be informed by the workings and development of communities around the world.

I would to read a message from Parum Samigita from Banjars (village councils) of the Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak areas of Bali in October 2002:

We Balinese have an essential concept of balance. It's the Tri Hita Karana; a concept of harmonious balance. The balance between God and humanity; Humanity with itself and Humanity with the environment. This places us all in a universe of common understanding. It is not only nuclear bombs which have fallout, it is our job to minimize this fallout for our people and our guests from around the world.

Who did this? It's not such an important discussion for us to discuss. Why this happened; maybe this is much more worthy of thought. What can we do to create beauty from this tragedy and come to an understanding where nobody feels the need to make such a statement again? This is important.

This is the basis from which we can embrace everyone as a brother; everyone as a sister. It is a period of uncertainty. It is a period of change. It is also an opportunity for us to move together into a better future. A future where we embrace all of humanity in the knowledge that we all look and smell the same when we are burnt. Victims of this tragedy are from all over the world. The past is not significant. It is the future which is important. This is the time to bring our values, our empathy, to society and the world at large. To care. To Love.

Finally, I read a message to all extremists of the world from Australian Muslims. It was formulated by the Islamic Council of Victoria, but it was signed by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, the national peak body; the Islamic Council of the Northern Territory; the Islamic Council of Queensland; the Islamic Council of Western Australia; the Supreme Islamic Council of New South Wales; the Islamic Council of New South Wales; and Sheikh Taj Aldin Alhilali of New South Wales. Their statement reads:

Together, we send this message to the extremists of the world who come from all backgrounds, religions and ideologies. We speak out with two aims-first: in the hope that these extremists will re-consider their actions, and second: to make our stance clear to the world.

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