Speaker The Hon Shaoquett Moselmane

Business Adjournment speech  

THE MIDDLE EAST

The Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE [10.36 p.m.]:

I was delighted to hear that Australia recently won a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council. The Federal Labor Government and, in particular, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Bob Carr, must be congratulated on the effort and success. It is also a credit to the former Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, who laid the foundation to this victory.

With this success though comes a heavy responsibility. We have a responsibility to be fair and just and to look at international issues with both eyes wide open. Our credibility as a fair and responsible nation demands that we take just and fair decisions.

I hope that we maintain this position on the United Nations Security Council for the next five years and into the future as the United Nations deals with the tensions of the Middle East that directly affect, in one way or another, the Australian Arabic Community. 

So a peaceful future is as critical to the Arab peoples in the Middle East as it is to the Arabic community in New South Wales. We must be sensitive to their fears and we must be wary not to advertently or inadvertently play on political or sectarian differences or on charged political emotions that trouble some in the New South Wales Arabic community.

The Middle East is slipping into poverty and economic, social and political instability. The recent killing of the Lebanese Chief of Security had Lebanon teetering on the verge of civil war, only to be held back by some wise political leadership and, thankfully, a united Lebanese army. Now awash with weapons, Lebanon is an arena for regional and international disputes, ready to ignite.

I sincerely hope and wish that that does not happen.  Syria's internal war has to date accounted for the death of an estimated 30,000 innocent civilians, and sadly there is no resolution in sight. Syria's internal military conflict, fuelled by national, regional and international power play, has now spilled into Turkey with Kurdish fighters engaged in border combat with Turkish army units on a daily basis.

The Jordanians were recently successful in uncovering a terrorist plot, but the Jordanian authorities may not be able to prevent future internal strife. That in turn will have significant ramifications for the Palestinian people and the political dynamics with neighbouring Israel.

After seven decades of Israeli occupation, another Palestinian Intifada may well be on the cards. Libya and Iraq remain deep in military and political tension, and the Arab Gulf has not escaped turmoil with the Bahrain clamp down and tensions in other Gulf states remain high. I raise these issues so as to bring some light on and understanding of the many issues, as well as the political and military conflicts, that are of concern to the Arabic community of New South Wales. The Australian Arabic community is a diverse group of people coming from across 23 countries in the so-called Middle East.

They differ in historical, cultural, religious and sectarian backgrounds. However, they are united in language and to some degree by political traditions. Whether Coptic Egyptians, or Bahrani or any other communities coming from the Arab world, they are all in deep fear for the wellbeing of their families and friends, and for the future of their communities. 

Many of these communities have developed a growing sense of apprehension about tensions in the region and rightly so given the deteriorating circumstances. Unity amongst the Arabic community remains firm but cracks have emerged. Thankfully, most community leaders remain vigilant against emerging cracks and any attempt by extremists who seek to play on the community's sectarian and political differences.

The overwhelming majority of the leadership in the New South Wales community are alert and aware of the consequences of sectarian tensions. To their credit, they have resisted sectarian conflict and, as we have seen following the recent Sydney protest, they came together in a show of unity.

I take this opportunity to congratulate them and the leadership of the Australian Arabic community on their understanding and capacity to read the situation and resist rising emotions to get involved in the raging tensions of the Middle East.

Motion to welcome His Grace Bishop Daniel moved and agreed to by the Legislative Council NSW Parliament. 

Speaker Moselmane The Hon Shaoquett

Business of the House 

 

TRIBUTE TO HIS GRACE BISHOP DANIEL Motion by the Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE agreed to:

1.That this House notes that:

(a)His Grace Bishop Daniel returned to the Diocese of Sydney, Australia on 27 September 2012,

(b)the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane, MLC, along with the Hon. Amanda Fazio, MLC, and the Hon. David Clarke, MLC, attended a church service at St Marks Cathedral, Arncliffe to welcome His Grace back to Australia after a period of absence,

(c)on 23 June 2002, His Grace was ordained Bishop for Sydney, Australia and its Affiliated Regions by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, and was named His Grace Bishop Daniel,

(d)since his ordination, His Grace has worked tirelessly for Copts throughout his vast diocese including St Marks Cathedral Arncliffe and St Mina and St Mary's Church at Bexley,

(e)His Grace has made and will continue to make an invaluable contribution to the Australian Coptic community, and

(f)the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane, MLC, will host a special occasion in the Parliament of New South Wales to welcome him amongst his community and friends.

2.That this House:

(a)notes the return of His Grace Bishop Daniel to Australia, and

(b)wishes him and the Australian Coptic community every success.

Motion by the Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE, agreed to:

1.That this House notes that:

(a)Mr Nabil Tannous, a stalwart of Arabic radio broadcasting, passed away in Sydney earlier this week after a long battle with cancer, 

(b)Mr Tannous was born 7 July 1937 and is well known for his role as Coordinator of the Arabic program on SBS Radio in the 1980s,

(c)Mr Tannous was active at Radio 2000 FM for the past twenty years, since its establishment in 1992,

(d)in the late 1990s, Mr Tannous donated the seed funding required to re-establish Radio 2000 FM and was an ardent supporter of the revival process after the station was closed down,

(e)Mr Tannous is an Australian of Palestinian descent and has been one of the most influential voices for the Arabic-speaking community of New South Wales, 

(f)Mr Tannous is survived by his son Anthony, and

(g)Mr Tannous was buried on 23 October 2012 after a mass at St Nicholas Church, Henry Street Punchbowl at 11.00 am.

2.That this House notes the passing of Nabil Tannous and expresses its condolences to his son Anthony, relatives, the Arabic media and the wider Arabic community in New South Wales.

Eid al Adha

I am delighted to join you for Eid al-Adha (id al ata) or the Feast of the Sacrifice which marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Today Muslims around the world give thanks.

This celebration is a reminder of the important role of Islam in the lives of many Australians.

Australia is home to nearly half a million Muslims and Islam is our country's third largest religion (behind Christianity and Buddhism). 

Australian Muslims contribute strongly to Australian society.

Over a quarter of our current population was born overseas.

Over 300 ancestries were identified in the 2011 Census.

Almost one in five Australians speaks a language other than English at home.

In my first speech as a Senator in March, I quoted the King of Jordan, King Abdullah II.

In 2004 he said: “Let us avert the clash of civilisations, and help the overlap of cultures. Let us partner for peace.”

And I have worked hard to promote this since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The Australian Government funds a multitude of inter-faith, cultural overlap and community development activities overseas.

In the Philippines, our Strengthening Grassroots Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding small grants program supports peace-building activities by local community groups and NGOs. 

Since 2006, it has funded 98 projects, mainly in conflict-affected areas of Muslim Mindanao. 

The Indonesia BRIDGE program (Building Relations through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement) supports school partnerships between Australia and Indonesia. 

By the end of 2015, a network of 254 schools and 512 teachers will be established with indirect engagement of 1800 Australian and 250 Indonesian teachers and 100,000 Indonesian and 76,000 Australian students. 

Australia is contributing funding towards an “Australia Arab Women’s Dialogue” to be held across Australia in March 2013. 

Eight young women leaders from the Middle East and North Africa will participate in this dialogue. 

Through the Council for Australia-Arab Relations, we have provided 2,867 Australian high schools with a resource kit called ‘Arab Gateways.’ 

The kit aims to improve understanding of the Arab world by focusing on its geography, economy, culture and heritage. 

The kit comprises a book and student activity sheets, and interactive CD, films and web links and a website.

In 2004, Australia and Indonesia established the Regional Interfaith Dialogue (RID). 

The RID has brought together religious leaders, civil society, academia and media from South East Asia and the Pacific.



As Muslims gather to honour the will to sacrifice and the blessings of mercy, our thoughts are with those who are suffering in conflicts across the globe.

One of the worst of these is the tragedy in Syria. 

I acknowledge that many here – and many of your friends – are families and individuals who have experienced this crisis first hand – and have come to seek safety in Australia.

In September I met representatives of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Australia.

The dimensions of this crisis are appalling

Estimated 34,000 killed

More than two million in need of humanitarian assistance

More than 1 million internally displaced

More than 350,000 refugees registered or awaiting registration in neighbouring countries.

The Assad regime has deployed the most brutal and horrifying tactics against the men, women and children of Syria.

On August 4, I visited refugee camps at Za-atri and Bashabsheh in Jordan and met those who have fled the crisis in Syria.

Australia has committed over $24 million in aid

making us the third-largest national humanitarian donor.

The press statement issued by the UNSC on October 24 was a positive step.

The Council has made clear its support for the initiative of the Joint Special Representative of the UN and Arab League, Lakhdar Brahimi, for a ceasefire over the Eid Al Adha holiday (starts Friday October 26, goes for 3-4 days).

Australia strongly supports Mr Brahimi’s initiative.

We call on the Syrian Government and all opposition forces in Syria to implement a ceasefire.

It is critical that all sides agree to Mr Brahimi’s proposal.

It would be a significant, first step towards peace.

It would allow some space for genuine political dialogue and improved humanitarian access.

But we have seen ceasefires broken before in Syria, so it remains to be seen if this will occur. 

Australia also strongly supports the UNSC’s call for all parties – and in particular the Syrian authorities – to cooperate fully with the UN and others on the provision of humanitarian assistance.

I recently put forward a plan for Syria’s health sector

Securing a commitment from all sides not to target medical personnel or facilities; and not to block access to doctors, hospitals or emergency care

Consideration of a neutral third party to monitor implementation of the plan; and

Continued provision of humanitarian assistance.

I have discussed this plan with Joint Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi; UN Emergency Coordinator Valerie Amos; Arab League Secretary General Nabil El Araby; and the Foreign Ministers of Turkey (Davutoğlu) and Belgium (Reynders).

Lebanon

The crisis in Syria poses a serious risk to stability in the region.

It is already spilling over its borders – to Turkey and more recently to Lebanon.

The Australian Government strongly condemns the car bomb attacks that occurred in eastern Beirut on October 19.

Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured.

Many people here have strong family and personal connections in Lebanon and this attack has been felt deeply.

I’ve been advised that members of the community have travelled to Lebanon to grieve with and support friends and family.

This is the first bombing attack in Beirut since 2008.

At this stage no group has claimed responsibility.

We call on all parties, internationally and within Lebanon and Syria, to exercise restraint - further escalation of this violence is in no one’s interests.

For now, we must let Lebanese intelligence and security forces conduct their investigations and allow their legal processes to run their course.

Those responsible for these cowardly attacks must be brought to justice.

Palestine

Australia supports a negotiated two-state solution that will lead to an independent Palestinian state.

I visited the Palestinian Territories and Israel in August – and urged for negotiations to resume.

I underlined to the Israeli’s that settlement activity was unhelpful to the peace process and should stop.

While in Ramallah on August 6, I met President Abbas, Prime Minister Fayyad and Foreign Minister Al-Malki.

I have reaffirmed that both President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad would be welcome visitors to Australia.

Australia’s support for the Palestinian people and Palestinian institution building is a tangible commitment to the peace process

$300 million over five years, including:

$90 million to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees

$120 million direct budget support to the Palestinian Authority.

Australia has changed our position on nine UN resolutions since 2007 in support of Palestinian interests.

On a possible UNGA resolution on Palestinian statehood – Australia will decide if and when a resolution is referred to the Assembly based on merits of the text.

Australia – Arab links

Since becoming Foreign Minister I have visited 10 countries in the Middle East and north Africa – Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Palestinian Territories and Egypt.

In Cairo in September, I met:

The President of Egypt, Mohammed Morsi

Arab League Secretary General Nabil El-Araby

His Eminence Sheikh El Tayeb Grand Imam of Al Azha

His Grace, Bishop Bakhomios, Acting Patriarch of the Coptic Church.

Australia’s formal links with regional organisations are growing:

I participated in the second Australia- Gulf Cooperation Council dialogue in New York last month

We have a formal dialogue with the Arab League

And we have a framework of cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

We have senior officials talks with the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq

We have agreed to hold these talks with Libya, Oman, Algeria and Morocco

We have long-standing links with the Arab world

trade $13.4 billion in 2011;

over 18,000 students from Middle East studying in Australia in 2011; and

over 370,000 Australians of Arab descent.

Australia is supporting the democratic transition of:

Egypt ($20.8 million over 2011-15);

Tunisia ($4.8 million)

Libya ($44.6 million);

Iraq ($360 million since 2003).

Innocence of Muslims

It is these links that we must remind ourselves of in the face of the efforts of extremist minorities to incite violence or create gaps between cultures.

I said at the time, that the work behind Innocence of Muslims was that of a lone nutter.

It was abhorrent.

And the acts of violence we saw in the streets of Sydney were those of a minority.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leaders of Australia’s Muslim community, both in Sydney and Melbourne in particular, for their efforts in quelling this unrest and encouraging community members to express their outrage at this film through peaceful and constructive means.

 Labor MLC Shaoquett Moselmane today called for the Aboriginal Flag to be displayed inside the Chamber of the state's Upper House of Parliament.

 "The Legislative Assembly already displays the Aboriginal Flag, and it is surprising that the Legislative Council does not."

 "We should display the Aboriginal Flag alongside the Australian Flag and the Flag of New South Wales," Mr Moselmane said.

 "The Legislative Council is the oldest legislative body in Australia – having first met in 1824."

 "While this is a symbolic gesture, I think it speaks volumes about our state's history and recognises our first nation," he said.

 Mr Moselmane cemented his calls for the flag to be displayed by introducing a motion in the Legislative Council this morning and placed on the Notice Paper. 

 It will be debated in the Legislative Council in the coming weeks.

“The Cedar” –“Lebanon”:

Two words that we all cherish and strive to uphold and protect for what they represent.....

Today I had the pleasure of attending a most enjoyable day at Darling harbour.

A day where the name of Lebanon was placed on a pedestal, thanks to the Folkloric Group which carries its name.

I had the impression that I was going to see there all or at least many of the Community Leaders whom I thought would attend to see the Lebanese Flag flying and to support a Lebanese group honouring the name of Lebanon. 

For obvious reasons I will keep my opinion to myself....

May we all rest in peace..

Congratulations Elie on a very successful Carnival and Thank you for positively promoting the name of Lebanon.

Sincerely and God Bless

Raymond

In an embarrassment for the O'Farrell Government, Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello has admitted only introducing one piece of legislation in his portfolio in 18 months.

Questioned by Labor members of the NSW Parliament today at his yearly Budget estimates session, Mr Dominello could only point to a standard Bill he introduced in June for a new working with children check:

Β·        Shaoquett Moselmane MLC: So you've only introduced one piece of legislation?

Β·        Minister Dominello: That's correct.

Β·        Shaoquett Moselmane MLC: Minister, what have you been doing for 18 months?

Shaoquett Moselmane MLC said: "Victor Dominello's always the first Minister to show up for a photo opportunity – but he's not actually doing any work where it counts.

"Mr Dominello's admission that he's introduced just one piece of legislation in 18 months proves that multicultural communities are not receiving the vigorous representation from the State Government they deserve.

"Time and again, the Minister has failed his duty.

"Mr Dominello failed to stand up for migrant communities when the O'Farrell Government cut $1.7 billion out of the NSW education system – including Catholic, Islamic, Greek Orthodox and Jewish schools.

"Mr Dominello was nowhere when the O'Farrell Government raised TAFE fees by 9.5 percent – making it too expensive for many people to enrol in a foreign language course.

"Parents from migrant communities believe passionately in education – but if Mr Dominello won't represent their interests around the Cabinet table, why is he even there?"

At this morning's session Mr Dominello also declined to repudiate offensive statements by his NSW Liberal colleague Peter Phelps. Last month, Mr Phelps demanded an end to multiculturalism and described Government programs benefitting multicultural communities as a "waste of money".

Helen Westwood MLC said: "Mr Dominello is meant to be our State's leading advocate for diversity – so why hasn't he pulled his Liberal colleague into line?

"Labor will always stand up for multiculturalism and the values of tolerance and respect.

"Clearly, there is an ugly strain within the NSW Liberal Party and Victor Dominello and Barry O'Farrell are too weak to knock it on the head."

**

"This is simply untrue", Mr Moselmane said.

"Labor in fact made eleven separate changes to this Act in 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2010. A quick Google search of this Bill online would have told the Minister that.

"Minister Dominello is simply just trying to cover for the fact that he has only passed one bill in his entire time as Minister.

"Labor delivered this Act, and Mr Dominello's comments show that he indeed has faith in the laws introduced by the previous Labor Government."

In an interview yesterday with The Filipino Australian, Minister Dominello said:

  

“There is a perfectly fine piece of legislation in place, the Community Relations Commission Act 2000. During the past 11 years the Labor Party did not see the need to tinker with it.”

Victor Dominello
10 October 2012

Source: The Filipino Australian
http://www.thefilipinoaustralian.com/news/index.php/2012/10/10/budget-estimates-session-highlights-multicultural-debate/

 "Not only has Mr Dominello introduced just one Bill throughout his entire time as Minister, but he obviously does not understand this Act," Mr Moselmane said.

MEDIA CONTACT: ALAN MASCARENHAS 0408819025

We understand there has been some confusion regarding the additional places that are available to refugees from Syria.
Please note the below:
• There will be an additional 1,000 visas available with the focus on Iraqi minorities in Syria

• Previous applications that have been refused cannot be used again – a NEW APPLICATION must be submitted – you will require Form 842 and 681 to be completed for a new application – posted to the MELBOURNE office:

Victoria Offshore Humanitarian Processing Centre
GPO Box 241
Melbourne VIC 3001

• It is not necessary for the applications to be signed by the applicants in Syria. Our post can arrange a signature at a later date.

• Please be aware that all applications will be assessed on their merits and will still be subject to external, non-DIAC checks such as police, character and medical clearances.

• Requests for letters of support to accompany your application can be made to your local Federal Member. If you live in McMahon, Chris Bowen MP is your federal member. His office can be contacted on (02) 9604 0710. If you live in Fowler, your local member is Chris Hayes MP. His office can be contacted on (02) 9726 3988.

• Requests for letters of support will be assessed on a case by case basis.