The Parliament of New South Wales
Speakers: Mrs Perry Barbara
Auburn Community Unity, Page: 24830
Source: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20100624060
AUBURN COMMUNITY UNITY
Mrs BARBARA PERRY (Auburn-Minister for Local Government, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health)) [6.41 p.m.]: Today I want to speak on a subject that is close to my heart and represents one of the proudest achievements of my electorate of Auburn, that is, the unity we share. In an interesting turn of fate, my term as a member commenced only days before the tragic events of September 11 and within a week of the nation's first Mosque open day, which, I am delighted to inform the House, was staged by the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque. This annual event has inspired a countrywide trend. Over the past nine years a tremendous amount of work, vision and courage has gone into expanding upon these efforts.
The Turkish community and Affinity Intercultural Foundation, an initiative of the Mosque's members, have spearheaded some of the most significant breakthroughs in inter-faith dialogue and faith relations in this nation's history. Late last year the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia, brainchild of the foundation, signed a landmark agreement with Charles Sturt University to provide Islamic studies for students. In time, this joint collaboration will culminate in a full degree on offer at the university. This keen desire to promote understanding, knowledge and friendship is now being expanded across a range of faith-based schools, mainly Christian, equipping teachers with greater insight into Islam to share with their students. I note with pride that these incredible achievements are attributable to the Turkish community.
Beyond the scope of my main purpose today, I use this opportunity to place on record my sincerest congratulations to the Turkish community for its remarkable achievements in many other respects. Australian Turkish students are renowned for their academic prowess both within the private and public school sectors, and the Turkish business community is highly regarded for its work ethic and entrepreneurial flair, to name but two examples. Moving beyond our shores, Australia and Turkey share a special bond sealed in the blood of our Anzacs and in those infamous words of comfort and love that Ataturk spoke so tenderly to the mothers of fallen Australian servicemen. As a modern, democratic and progressive State, Turkey is a respected member of the international community. I am greatly heartened to see Australian Turks fuse this enlightened heritage with their faith in their efforts to build harmony, understanding and a deep and abiding friendship with the wider community.
In our democratic, multicultural society, we are all entitled to hold our own views and interpretations of history. We also carry with equal weight the responsibility to manage these differences with due sensitivity, keeping in mind that our foremost priority should be deepening the friendships and unity we share. Very few nations on earth have ever managed to achieve harmony amongst such incredible diversity of language, race and creed. As we look to the future, I join with the Turkish and wider community in building upon this shared identity. It is a source of immense pride and joy to us all. The enormous strength and unique beauty of our multiculturalism have built upon what we have brought with us from every corner of the earth. What will make us even stronger is that which we leave behind.
We have nothing to gain by keeping points of irreconcilable difference alive or dragging the past along to places where it does not belong. This principle applies to building successful relationships in our personal lives and it applies no less to building communities. The Turkish community of Auburn is acutely aware of the divergent views held on historical issues involving Turks, Armenians, Assyrians and other peoples. They have urged me to convey to the House that such differences and related discussions must be laid to rest. Their desire is to advance new levels of friendship and congeniality. I make special mention of the importance of democracy to the Turkish community. Their tradition is steeped in democracy, inspired by Ataturk. Their expression tonight through me is about the principles of democracy.
Auburn is home to a significantly sized Islamic community, comprising not only Turks but also others from nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. I have developed a strong affection and appreciation for the many community groups that have been born from this diversity of peoples. They are all open and warm and they are keen to build friendships with our wider community and with me. As a Catholic I occasionally reflect sadly on some of the darker chapters of the life of my church. I am grateful that the atrocities committed, many of them against innocent Muslims, are not held against me by the Islamic community today. I am also grateful that the past is never raised as a point of contention or used to remind me of how far the church once strayed from the teachings of Christ.
The past has gone and we face the future as one. As Australians from every walk of life and every system of belief, faith and ethnicity, we share a common set of eternal, transcendent values—values embedded deep within the conscience of every man and woman—a commitment to honesty, decency, goodness and kindness, and a mutual desire to grow in understanding and respect for one another. As part of my work in my electorate the furthering of this goal remains one of my greatest priorities. I need to do this in conjunction with my community and I need my community to share this vision. It has been my great privilege and pleasure today to place on record the incredible partners I have in the Turkish and wider community. I am grateful for this blessing in my life and I look forward to the future that we will build together.
Private members' statements concluded.
The House adjourned, pursuant to resolution, at 6.46 p.m. until
Tuesday 31 August 2010 at 1.00 p.m.
