Mark Dreyfus
Isaacs · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“In 1943, Enid Lyons became the first woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. In the same election, Dorothy Tangney became the first woman elected to the Senate, representing Western Australia. We've come a long way since then.”
“That legislation was a significant step in fulfilling Labor's commitment to implementing all of the recommendations of the landmark Respect@Work report completed by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins and the Human Rights Commission in 2020.”
“I rise to speak about half of our community: the women of Australia. For generations, women have helped build Australia's democracy, prosperity and social progress. The Australian Commonwealth and state parliaments were among the first in the world to give women the right to vote.”
“Yet, across the generations, there have been thousands of Australian women whose contributions are no less important even if their names do not appear in the history books and their work is not recognised in public life. Today I acknowledge those women.”
“These reforms recognise that the law must respond to this form of harm. That work formed part of our wider effort to make the law more responsive to women's experiences and their calls for safety, dignity and justice. This approach guided our reforms to the Family Law Act and guided our work on justice responses to sexual violence.”
“In 2024, through our National Access to Justice Partnership, the Albanese Labor government significantly increased funding for women's legal services.”
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“The Jewish community has every right to expect the crimes committed by Hamas to be condemned clearly, unequivocally and without justification of any kind. Our government has spoken out against Hamas and spoken out against antisemitism. We've also acted, and we'll continue to act. We've introduced the toughest laws in Australia's history to combat hate crimes, targeting serious forms of harmful hate speech. We've criminalised doxxing—the malicious release of personal information. We've banned the Nazi salute and the public display of Nazi and terrorist organisation symbols in Australia. We legislated to expand the offences for praising terrorism and increased the penalty for doing so. We made the listing of Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organisations permanent.”
“I stood with the Premier of Victoria, with representatives from the federal and state Liberal oppositions, and with Jewish community leaders—all of us united in our condemnation of the barbarity of the Hamas attacks. This parliament has reaffirmed that Australia stands united against hate and antisemitism, but some have used these events to drive political division and incite anger here in Australia. That path does not lead to peace. We must confront antisemitism wherever it appears—in schools, on campuses and in workplaces. And this is not just a task for government or members of parliament. The responsibility to challenge hate and antisemitism belongs to every one of us. We must work together.”
“She was murdered in her home. To walk those streets of Be'eri is to understand the weight of what was lost. At the site of the Nova music festival, Shalev Biton guided me through the place where 340 people were murdered. Shalev had just returned from working in Australia before attending the festival. He escaped and was able to tell me his story of horror and survival. Hearing these experiences directly reinforced that these were not acts of war; they were terrorist atrocities, and they must never be forgotten. It is shocking that, in Australia, the barbarity of October 7 has been followed by a rise of antisemitic violence and public abuse. I spoke at Caulfield Park in Melbourne on 13 October 2023, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Australian government, in front of 6,000 of the Melbourne Jewish community.”
“On 7 October 2023, in a day of horror, Hamas terrorists carried out barbaric attacks on the people of southern Israel. The grief and horror of that day lives on in families, in communities and in people I know. I've felt that grief and horror since that day. Hundreds of festivalgoers were murdered at the Nova festival, near Re'im. In nearby communities, families were brutally attacked and butchered in their homes. More than 1,200 men, women and children were murdered. More than 250 people were taken hostage. This was the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single event since the Holocaust. At Kibbutz Be'eri, where more than 130 people were killed, I met with Danny Majzner. He walked me through a once peaceful community that will never be the same. Danny survived, but his sister, Galit Carbone, an Australian grandmother, did not.”
“We remember those hostages who did not survive, and we continue to call for those still held to come home. The future must be grounded in security for Israel and dignity for Palestinians, and we continue to hope for a just and lasting peace. (Time expired)”
“The Jewish community has every right to expect that the crimes committed by Hamas will be condemned clearly, unequivocally and without justification of any kind. I hope for peace, but it will not come easily. It rarely does. Peace is not simply declared; it's built through law, through diplomacy and through the discipline and resolve to continue even when progress is slow or opposed. The Prime Minister reminded us at the start of question time that the world must never forget the atrocities that were inflicted by Hamas. He called on us to think of those still held hostage and to join with our partners around the world in calling for the hostages to be returned immediately and with dignity. The Prime Minister is right. We must not forget.”
“And it's not just a task for government or for members of parliament. The responsibility to challenge hate belongs to every one of us. Silence is not neutrality; it is complicity. The events of 7 October 2023 were horrific in their intent and brutality, but the events of October 7 are also a test. They are a test of our humanity, our principles and our courage to speak truth when it's most difficult to do so. Let us honour the victims of that day not only through remembrance but through resolve. Let us ensure that hate finds no home in Australia, not in our streets, not in our institutions and not in our hearts. May the values that define us as Australians—freedom, safety and respect for all—guide not just our words but our actions too.”
“All Australians, including our Jewish citizens, must be able to live publicly, proudly and safely in the country they call home. The Jewish community in Australia deserves our full and unequivocal support. Jews in Australia should not have to doubt whether their fellow Australians stand with them against hate. I believe there remains, at heart, strong support for the Jewish community within this parliament, across government and across Australia. But belief alone is not enough. We must act. We must ensure our laws, our public spaces and our public discourse reflect the values of safety, decency and inclusion for all. This parliament can and does reaffirm that Australia stands against hate and stands for unity. We must confront antisemitism wherever it appears—in schools, on campuses, in workplaces and in our political institutions.”
“Every Australian has the right to protest, but no-one has the right to protest wherever they please at the expense of the safety and freedom of others. We must restore the balance between freedom of expression and freedom of movement, ensuring that the right to protest never becomes the right to intimidate and inflame tensions in our community. The very few limits placed on protest activity have paradoxically placed limits on the Jewish community's ability to move and live freely. Families have been afraid to walk in their own neighbourhoods. Jewish schools have cancelled excursions and counselled their students not to wear identifying uniforms. Synagogues and schools have required armed security and police protection. In 2025 in Australia, no religious institution should need such a protection.”
“It's through the discipline of law, of restraint and of equal regard that democracy is defended and national unity is maintained. There have been moments over the past year, brief and fragile, when ceasefires were reached. In those moments there was relief and even joy, not only in Israel and Gaza but across the region and beyond. Those ceasefires offered a glimpse of what might be possible, something that ends the killing and allows diplomacy, humanitarian aid and recovery to take its place. But let there be no doubt; the attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023 were acts of terrorism—deliberate, calculated, extremist and inhumane. What I've witnessed on our streets in Australia over the last two years has been distressing. The hate, the vitriol and the antisemitism that have festered are utterly unacceptable.”
“Regardless of circumstance, Australia is defined by the expectation that all people should be able to live free from fear. I'm always saddened when events overseas leave any Australians feeling less secure and asking serious questions about their place in this country. Some have used these events to drive political division and have exploited international events to incite anger and division in Australia. That path does not lead to peace and does not reflect who we should be. We must ensure that our response to international conflicts strengthens rather than undermines our community. No-one in Australia should feel unsafe because of their background or beliefs, and political disagreements, however vigorous, must never compromise the principles that underpin democratic values or public safety.”
“At the site of the Nova music festival, Shalev Biton guided me through the place where 340 people were murdered. Shalev had just returned from working in Australia before attending the festival. He escaped by running for kilometres and was saved by the selfless actions of a nearby farm manager. His story is one of horror and also of survival. These experiences—standing where such brutality occurred, hearing directly from those who lived through it—reinforced what I not just already knew but felt. These were not acts of war; they were terrorist atrocities and they must never be forgotten. It is shocking that in Australia, after the barbarity of October 7, we have seen a rise in antisemitism, including antisemitic violence and public abuse. This has challenged our shared commitment to safety, mutual respect and the rule of law.”
“In January this year I was in Israel when a ceasefire was agreed. After 15 months of war and after what began with those horrific atrocities, there was finally a glimmer of hope. What I saw and heard in that week in Israel will stay with me. At Kibbutz Be'eri, where more than 130 people were murdered, I met with Danny Majzner, who is in our parliament today—he was here during question time. Danny walked me through a community that will never be the same. Danny survived that day; his sister, Galit Carbone—an Australian grandmother—did not. She was murdered in her home. Danny generously shared his family's story with me. To walk those streets and to see homes that were once full of life torn apart is to understand the weight of what was lost on October 7.”
“It imposed a grief that will not pass quickly and a trauma that will cross generations. For Israeli survivors, for the families of those murdered and for those still waiting for loved ones to return, the legacy of 7 October is enduring. Its violence and cruelty left a mark not only on individuals but on a people. I spoke at Caulfield Park in Melbourne days after the 7 October 2023 attack, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Australian government, in front of 6,000 people from the Melbourne Jewish community. I stood with the Premier of Victoria and with representatives from the federal and state Liberal oppositions. I stood with Jewish community leaders and with a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, who was visiting Melbourne when her kibbutz was attacked. All of us were united in our condemnation of the barbarity of the Hamas attacks.”
“On 7 October 2023, in a day of horror, Hamas terrorists carried out coordinated, barbaric attacks on the people of southern Israel. The grief and the horror of that day live on in families, in communities and in people I know. I have felt that grief and horror since that day. Hundreds of festival-goers were murdered at the Nova festival near Re'im. In nearby communities, including Kfar Aza, Be'eri, Nir Oz, Nahal Oz, Holit, Zikim, Kerem Shalom and Sufa, people, families, were brutally attacked and butchered in their homes. More than 1,200 men, women and children were slaughtered; more than 250 people were taken hostage. These were deliberate attacks on civilians. These were atrocities against civilians. This was the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single event since the Holocaust. That day left more than physical devastation.”
“My vision for Isaacs and for Australia is a community that is inclusive, connected and economically secure—a place where every child can access a good education, where health care is available when needed and where opportunities are not limited by one's postcode or background. The people of Isaacs have trusted me again with the responsibility to represent them in this place, and for that I am deeply grateful. I will continue to deliver on the Albanese Labor government's commitments to defend the integrity of our democracy and uphold the standards the public rightly expects of us. I call on all members to send a clear message: intimidation and abuse have no place in Australian politics. We must lead by example and help build a democratic culture grounded in respect, inclusion and integrity.”
“Democracy works best when people can participate without fear or intimidation, because fear undermines the core principles that make democracy function, such as fairness, safety and equal participation. This is not simply a matter of politeness or manners; it goes to the integrity of our democratic system. As I commence my seventh term, I remain driven by the values that have guided my service—fairness, integrity and a genuine commitment to this community. Public service is not about self-interest; it is about serving the community's interest. That is what guides my work as a member of parliament.”
“This was a reckless attempt to misuse the commission for political advantage. The commission has made it abundantly clear that the referral was groundless. I'll quote the commission's statement: … the Commission considers that no corruption issue arises, and will take no further action in relation to the referral. This episode says something deeply concerning about the Liberal Party. It shows a willingness to misuse, for political gain, one of the most important anticorruption institutions in our democracy. The National Anti-Corruption Commission exists to prevent corruption in government. It is not there to be used as a tool for political advantage. Such conduct undermines trust in our institutions and has no place in Australian politics.”
“A genuine commitment to human rights is tested in moments of difficulty: when taking action is inconvenient, when stepping in to stop misconduct carries political risk and when personal accountability is required. By any fair assessment, Mr Wilson did not show such a commitment during the election campaign. He had the opportunity to uphold the principles of respect, accountability and fairness that underpin our democracy, but he chose not to act. That is what leadership demands, and it is what the Australian community is entitled to expect, especially from someone who has held the office of Human Rights Commissioner. It was also deeply troubling that in October 2024 a former Liberal MP, Jason Falinski, referred Ms Daniel to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.”
“When those principles are undermined, the harm extends beyond individual candidates. It erodes public confidence and weakens the foundations of our democracy. All members of this parliament, regardless of their political views, benefit from the strength of our democratic institutions and share a responsibility to uphold the standards that Australians rightly expect and to protect those institutions in return. The unfortunate behaviour of the new member for Goldstein and his team during the Goldstein campaign is particularly disappointing given Mr Wilson's service as Australia's human rights commissioner from 2014 to 2016. That statutory role exists to champion respect, dignity and the protection of rights for all Australians.”
“Hostility and harassment do not just silence voters' voices in the moment; they deter people from wanting to take part at all. Democracy only works when Australians can participate without fear or intimidation. This is not about courtesy; it goes to the very integrity of our democracy here, in our local communities and across the nation. What occurred in Goldstein reflects a broader challenge facing democracies in Australia and across the world. Harmful political discourse, threats of violence and death, and the harassment of candidates are pushing people away from public life. We must not allow that to take hold in Australia. The strongest safeguard against this kind of conduct is a shared commitment to democratic principles, truth, mutual respect and civic participation.”
“One reported incident also involved Mr Wilson himself. As a candidate for public office, he shouted at a member of Ms Daniel's staff as she returned to her car: 'Enjoy your last week.' It was a comment intended to intimidate—behaviour unbecoming of anyone seeking to serve in our national parliament. I'm sure he would not accept such treatment if it were directed at him. The behaviour did not end with the campaign. It carried into the prolonged counting process, where Mr Wilson's campaign scrutineers were encouraged to intimidate, distract and use standover tactics against Ms Daniel's scrutineers. The behaviour of Liberal volunteers and Mr Wilson at polling booths in Goldstein, including those shared with Isaacs, shows how quickly abuse and intimidation can erode confidence in our democracy.”
“As a respected journalist and parliamentarian, she faced a level of hostility no candidate should ever have to endure. She was subjected to vile abuse on the street, including misogynistic slurs. She had to report incidents of stalking and harassment to the police. Her car was identified online. She feared being followed home, and, in the final week of the campaign, she needed the protection of the Australian Federal Police. The hostility also extended to her volunteers and staff, who were intimidated at booths and endured a barrage of personal attacks online and in person. Through it all, Ms Daniel refused to retaliate. She focused on policy and principle. Her campaign was a model of integrity, and her resilience in the face of such adversity deserves recognition and respect from all sides of politics.”
“He made excuses instead of accepting responsibility and taking immediate action to remove and hold those responsible accountable. He even attempted to justify one of these incidents, absurdly suggesting his campaign volunteer had low blood sugar levels. On election day, private security personnel needed to be engaged in the electorate of Goldstein to ensure the safety of volunteers and prevent vandalism by Mr Wilson's campaign team. The conduct of Mr Wilson's campaign has undermined both the fairness and the safety of the election process. I acknowledge Ms Zoe Daniel, the former member for Goldstein, for the integrity with which she conducted her campaign. She ran on ideas, on values and on service to her community. Despite this, her campaign was at times deeply personal and harrowing.”
“Yet, throughout the campaign, there were repeated incidents involving Mr Wilson's campaign volunteers that fell well short of the standard of behaviour Australians expect. These incidents included verbal abuse of volunteers working for other candidates and threats of violence and even death threats against public figures. This conduct was clearly intended to intimidate. One incident reported involved a Liberal campaigner verbally abusing two young women, including one who was just 17 years old, calling them 'little scum'. Another involved a threat of extreme violence, including a death threat directed at the Premier of Victoria and the former member for Goldstein Ms Zoe Daniel. Mr Wilson did not condemn these incidents.”
“While we may differ in our policies and visions, we share a commitment to service and our community. I thank Fiona Ottey for her contribution to the democratic process and for engaging in a contest of ideas, not personalities. In my electorate of Isaacs the campaign was respectful and principled. However, I must draw attention to the deeply troubling conduct that occurred in the neighbouring electorate of Goldstein, which shared the Cheltenham prepoll booth with Isaacs. Goldstein was one of the most closely contested electorates in the nation. Following a re-count, the Liberal candidate and now member for Goldstein, Mr Tim Wilson, was elected by a margin of just 175 votes.”
“Their stories reflect the best of our nation: hard work, determination and the belief that no matter where your family came from you can succeed in Australia. I see it every day, in Springvale, Noble Park, Keysborough, Mordialloc and Dandenong. When people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate fully, contribute to society and feel they belong, we are a stronger and more united country. But belonging is only meaningful if people feel it is safe to participate, whether as voters, candidates or volunteers. A healthy democracy depends not just on the right to vote but also on the ability to participate without fear of intimidation, harassment or abuse. I acknowledge my Liberal opponent at the 2025 election, Fiona Ottey. Fiona conducted herself with dignity and respect throughout the campaign.”
“People from more than 150 countries have made their homes in our suburbs. Their diversity is a source of strength for our community. I saw that strength earlier this year when I attended the inaugural Ramadan Night Market in Dandenong, organised by Bright Community, a group of local Muslim business owners. It was an extraordinary celebration over the nights of Ramadan, drawing thousands of people from all backgrounds to share food, culture and community. Migrant-run businesses make up nearly one-third of small businesses in Australia, and in Isaacs they are the backbone of our shopping centres, restaurants and professional services. They create jobs, generate investment and open doors to new international markets. Many children and grandchildren of migrants are now leaders, in medicine, education, law, sport and the arts.”
“For almost 10 years the Liberal-National coalition delivered headlines, not homes. The Albanese Labor government is delivering the biggest housing investment in our nation's history. I now turn briefly to multiculturalism, because it remains one of Australia's greatest strengths. Multiculturalism is part of our nation's story, reflecting the simple truth that our community is shaped by people who come from somewhere else. It's a story shared by generations of Australians and stands at the heart of Australia's identity. Everyone in this building knows someone who migrated to Australia. For many of us it was our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents who made that journey, seeking safety, opportunity and a better future. My electorate is one of the most diverse in Australia.”
“Since we came into government, new housing approvals are up by 30 per cent, and one million households across the nation have received an almost 50 per cent increase in Commonwealth rent assistance. Half a million homes have been built, 28,000 social and affordable homes are underway and our Build to Rent scheme is creating 80,000 new secure rentals nationally. The Albanese government is working closely with state and territory governments. Australians expect governments to work together. When they do, we get better results for the people we serve: more homes, built faster, in the places they're needed most. We're delivering more social and affordable homes across Australia, providing security for renters, older Australians, women escaping violence, and families who need stability.”
“They see it in their pay packets because the Albanese Labor government's tax cuts mean people earn more and keep more of what they earn. I'm reminded that the Liberal-National coalition opposed all of this. When Australians needed help the most, the Liberal-National coalition chose division, fear, distraction and harmful politics instead of working in this parliament to deliver meaningful support for all Australians. The Albanese Labor government knows that Australians don't need more promises on housing; they need homes built. That's why we've set an ambitious target and are delivering the biggest housing investment in our nation's history. We're building more homes and backing first-home buyers.”
“They no longer have to choose between filling a prescription or paying a bill. For them, the Albanese Labor government's introduction of 60-day prescriptions means fewer trips to the pharmacy, lower costs and real savings. Australians are seeing the Albanese Labor government's plan in action. They see it when someone they know gets one of the million new jobs created since the Albanese Labor government came to office in 2022. They see it when a friend or family member enrols in a free TAFE course that leads to well-paid, secure skilled work. They see it when parents can return to work because child care is more affordable. They see it when they or someone close to them visits a Medicare urgent care clinic for the urgent care they need when they need it. And they see it at the pharmacy with cheaper medicines and 60-day prescriptions.”
“Around 90 Medicare urgent care clinics are now operating across the country, taking pressure off hospitals and emergency departments. They open early and close late seven days a week and provide free walk-in urgent care with no appointment needed. All patients are fully bulk-billed. One of Australia's busiest Medicare urgent care clinics is in Dandenong South, in my electorate. In my electorate, our policies are making a difference. I think of the young woman from Dandenong, Aadila, who told me that cutting her student debt meant she could finally save money for a car to get to work, or the mum in Keysborough, Sarah, who, thanks to more affordable childcare, is working more, earning more and saving more. In Chelsea, pensioners Barry and Iris spoke to me about how cheaper medicines are making a real difference.”
“Our government's tax cuts build on the cost-of-living relief policies we've already delivered. Workers will keep more of what they earn, easing pressure on household budgets, boosting savings and strengthening financial security for workers and their families across the country. Cheaper medicines are another way we are easing cost-of-living pressures and ensuring more people can get the health care they need. Cheaper medicines have already saved households in my electorate more than $11 million and, with 60-day prescriptions now in place, Australians are saving even more money. The government's Medicare urgent care clinics are another example of policy that's delivering results and improving the lives of millions of Australians.”
“The Albanese Labor government's free TAFE policy develops skills and supports long-term economic growth. When more Australians get the qualifications they need, businesses perform better, essential services improve and the economy strengthens. The Albanese Labor government's policy to cut student debt by 20 per cent is about giving people a fair chance to succeed. Less debt means easing financial pressure, especially for younger people. In my electorate of Isaacs, more than 20,000 people will have lower student debt. Our government's Cheaper Child Care is about supporting economic productivity and easing cost-of-living pressures. Like cutting student debt, it gives people a level of financial freedom to make decisions that are right for them and their families. It helps parents return to work and increases workforce participation.”
“From a 20 per cent cut to student debt to free TAFE; from cheaper medicines and 60-day prescriptions to more Medicare urgent care clinics and to more bulk-billing; from support for businesses to building more housing; from wage increases for aged-care and childcare workers to secure funding for community legal services; from reforming family law to significant changes to Australia's privacy laws—every one of these policies will make a difference in people's lives, and every one of these policies will build a fairer Australia now and into the future. In all of the conversations I had, people said they wanted help with the cost of living, secure and decent jobs, affordable housing, accessible health care and education, and a government that listens and delivers.”
“The expertise and patient work of the AEC are among the quiet strengths of our democracy. Because of the work of the AEC, Australians have confidence that our elections are conducted fairly and with integrity. My campaign in Isaacs had a simple vision: to hear directly from the people of our community, to understand their challenges and aspirations and to ensure their voices shape our work. In the months leading up to the election I visited every part of my electorate—from Dandenong to Dingley, Chelsea to Cheltenham and from Moorabbin to Keysborough. I attended community forums, knocked on thousands of doors, joined sporting events, made hundreds of phone calls and visited festivals, shopping strips, businesses, hospitals and aged-care centres.”
“It's a privilege to represent the people of Isaacs for a seventh term in this 48th Parliament of Australia. To the people of my electorate of Isaacs, I thank them for the trust they have placed in me. To the volunteers who've supported my campaign, I express my sincere thanks. You gave your time to hand out how-to-vote cards, knock on doors, speak to neighbours and engage in respectful discussions about the future of our electorate and Australia. I also acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of my electorate office staff: Judd, Sally, Elly, Lucy, Nicola, Lydia, Olivia and Alex. You embody the very best of public service, and I'm grateful for your support. I also want to thank the Australian Electoral Commission. I acknowledge the excellent work of the divisional returning officer for Isaacs, Marc Antoine, and his team.”
“As federal member for Isaacs, I want to ensure that the voices of Cambodian Australians in my electorate are heard, their concerns respected and their calls for peace and safety acknowledged.”
“For communities in Australia with close connections to the region, these events cause real worry and demand a principled and engaged international response. Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, dignity and the belief that every person deserves to live free from fear. Achieving peace requires patience, effort and a willingness to choose dialogue over division. All too often, it's ordinary people who live with the consequences of conflict. The nations of the world differ in their histories, but the challenges to peace and stability remind us of the international community's shared responsibility to prevent conflict and protect civilians. Upholding justice, mutual respect and dialogue to resolve conflict is what gives meaning to our shared humanity.”
“These concerns are close, personal and deeply felt. Many in the community are seeking reassurance that their voices are being heard. I've raised these concerns with my colleagues. The Australian government recently welcomed the ceasefire agreement announced by Cambodia and Thailand. Foreign minister Penny Wong reaffirmed Australia's support for a peaceful resolution through regional dialogue and international cooperation. That position reflects our continued commitment to peace, the rule of law and protection of civilians in our region. Moments like this remind us that the effects of conflict are rarely contained. Civilians bear the immediate cost, but the consequences often reach far beyond the borders where violence occurs.”
“Cambodian Australians are a vital part of the Australian community, particularly in my electorate of Isaacs. Their resilience, strong family ties and commitment to fairness and dignity reflect the values that we share as a nation. Since my election in 2007 I've built strong relationships with members of the Cambodian Australian community. I hold this community in the highest regard and value the trust and friendship extended to me over many years. In recent weeks, members of the Australian Cambodian community in my electorate have contacted me, greatly concerned about the recent outbreak of violence in the Cambodia-Thailand border area. I've since met with families and community leaders who are fearful for the safety of loved ones in the border area and anxious about the consequences of instability.”
“I'm grateful for the enduring friendship that I have shared with members of the Cambodian Australian community in my electorate of Isaacs. I commend the Cambodian Association of Victoria on its 40 years of service to our community, and I thank Richard Lim and Youhorn Chea for their extraordinary commitment to public life.”
“My friend Mr Youhorn Chea arrived in Australia with his family as refugees in 1980, also having escaped from the Khmer Rouge. He helped establish the Cambodian Association of Victoria, serving as its president for more than 20 years. In 2001, he became the first Cambodian mayor in Australia for the City of Greater Dandenong, and he has served several terms as mayor of Greater Dandenong. Youhorn has led youth programs, language classes and welfare services that have supported countless families. He remains a very respected leader in the Cambodian Australian community. Richard Lim and Youhorn Chea are not alone in their experience and their contribution to our nation. Many Cambodian Australians in my electorate of Isaacs have overcome profound hardship and gone on to serve others. Richard and Youhorn exemplify that civic spirit.”
“He later undertook a long and dangerous journey by bicycle across Cambodia, eventually reuniting with his surviving siblings near the Thai border. Richard arrived in Australia in 1980. With his qualifications lost, he returned to high school at the age of 24, working long hours to support himself. He went on to establish Lim's Pharmacy in Springvale, offering vital pharmacy services in multiple languages to our local community. Lim's Pharmacy also raises money for Cambodia Vision, who carry out vital cataract procedures and provide medical care for Cambodians in rural areas. Richard also mentors young Cambodian Australians and co-founded the Cambodian Youth Association. He later served as deputy mayor of Greater Dandenong. In 2014, Richard received the Order of Australia Medal for his extraordinary service to our community.”
“I rise to recognise the 40th anniversary of the Cambodian Association of Victoria and to acknowledge two longstanding Cambodian-Australian community leaders in my electorate of Isaacs: Dr Richard Lim OAM and Mr Youhorn Chea. The Cambodian-Australian community has deep roots in my electorate of Isaacs. Many in the community arrived as refugees seeking safety following the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. Over four decades, the community has made enduring contributions to Australia's social, intellectual, cultural and civic life. My friend Dr Richard Lim OAM was born outside Phnom Penh and began studying pharmacy before the Khmer Rouge came to power. Targeted during the regime's persecution of intellectuals, he narrowly avoided execution due to a clerical error and lived for years under threat.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I'm the son and the grandson of a Holocaust survivor. I went to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a place where a million Jews were murdered, a place where my great grandmother was murdered on 13 October 1942. And I say to members of this House that we've had a wave of antisemitism in this country, and right now what we need is unity. We need bipartisanship, and that's the effort that our government made with the bill that was passed by this parliament last week. (Time expired)”
“I thank the honourable member for her question. No government has done more to combat the abhorrent and shocking rise in antisemitism than this government. The Liberals talk about it and this government acts.”