In a Private Members' Motion yesterday in Parliament House, Dr Monique Ryan called on her parliamentary colleagues to end their use of divisive rhetoric and to foster respectful political and social engagement and debate.
In her speech, Dr Ryan identified a loss of generosity in recent decades in our nation's attitude to and treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
She acknowledged the profound impact of recent global events on Australian society. She pointed to the horrors inflicted by Hamas on 7 October 2023, which shocked and traumatised the Jewish community worldwide, and the need for the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas. Dr Ryan noted that many Jewish Australians have, in recent months, for the first time in their lives felt targeted and discriminated against on the streets, in schools, and on university campuses. She called for all Australians to stand against antisemitism.
Dr Ryan drew attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where many thousands of civilians have been killed by the Israeli government’s response to the Hamas attack, and noted that the continuing conflict is deeply distressing to many Australians.
She warned that Australia’s social cohesion is at risk due to inflammatory rhetoric from some political leaders, which only serves to sow division at a time when unity is needed. She urged her colleagues to take responsibility for their words and actions, and to support policies that foster inclusion, respect, and understanding across Australia’s diverse communities.
In conclusion she reminded Parliament that, as a nation of immigrants, Australia’s greatest strength is its diversity. She stressed the importance of leaders showing compassion and working together to ensure that all Australians — regardless of their faith, background, or political beliefs — feel safe, respected, and valued in their own country.
Link to speech in full:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansardr/28030/&sid=0024