Page 690 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 19 March 2019
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The article went on to describe some of the stories of courage which are now emerging:
Naeem Rashid, aged in his 40s, tried to wrest the gun from the shooter at Al Noor mosque. He is believed to have died in Christchurch Hospital.
His son Talha Naeem, 21, also died in the shooting.
Husna Ahmed, 44, was killed when she returned to the Al Noor mosque to check on her husband Farid, after getting some children to safety. Farid said his wife was a “very courageous and caring” person and a “dedicated wife”.
These are just a few of the many stories of the people whom we now remember and mourn but also take inspiration from. Here in Canberra, despite our commitment to human rights, our strong anti-discrimination laws and our generous and welcoming community, acts of racism and bigotry still occur. I want to reassure the ACT Islamic community that we stand with them at this very difficult time and that they are safe and supported by the broader Canberra community.
This is a time to reflect, to grieve and to think about how we can combat intolerance and hatred in our communities. The answer must be through love and compassion. As New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, these are dark days, but our communities cannot and will not be defined by this kind of hatred. Our communities represent diversity, kindness and compassion, a welcoming home for all and refuge for those who need it. Those values will not change. Instead they will continue to define us and help us to get through these moments together.
MR STEEL (Murrumbidgee—Minister for City Services, Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Roads) (10.36): I also rise to provide my condolences for those communities in New Zealand, following the terrorist attacks on Friday. As the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I express my condolences to all those affected by this act of terrorism—families and communities who are grieving at this time. This act of terrorism is very close to home for our Muslim communities here in Canberra as well, and I also offer my ongoing support to our community members who may be experiencing fear as a result of this attack. There is no place in our society for the abhorrent views behind this attack.
As the Chief Minister has noted, the ACT government stands against extremism, hatred and violence. In this city we choose inclusion; we choose a cohesive society which draws on people’s cultural diversity as a source of strength, a mix of people that is essential to enhance the social, economic, cultural and civic life of our city. We welcome people of all faiths and religions and the 2.5 per cent of our residents that identify as Muslim.
Last night I, together with some of my colleagues, visited Gungahlin mosque to stand in solidarity with members of the Muslim community here in Canberra. I understand that some of my other Labor colleagues also took time to visit mosques over the weekend and yesterday to reassure members that, during these terrible events, they are an incredibly valued part of our community. Many members of our Canberra
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