Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 Pauline RICHARDS (Cranbourne) (19:03): (1580) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ms Stitt in the other place, and the action I seek is an update on how we are supporting our Filipino community. I recently attended the Pinoy Olympics at the Old Cheese Factory, and I would like to thank the Pinoy Casey Community Inc not just for their work and the joy that they bring but for embracing Mr Tarlamis from the other place and me into their community in a way that had our hearts singing, with a little bit of karaoke going on at the same time.

Then only a fortnight ago I attended the Kamayan festival in Cranbourne. This was an event that was filled with delight, with family fun, with food, with families – I like a bit of alliteration. There was a lot going on at this amazing festival. Again, I want to thank the Filipino Australian community. This community have been so deeply embedded in our community for such a long time that they have ensured that we have thrived as a successful state. Certainly in the Casey council area, the south-east of Melbourne, and right across Melbourne and Victoria, this strong, generous, law-abiding and altruistic diaspora have worked as clinicians, as engineers, as teachers, as researchers and in trades.

Hence I was shocked to see that the federal Liberal Party have compiled a hit list of countries. Reading from the Australian Financial Review, a tome that is not necessarily known for its socialist leanings, opposition leader Angus Taylor said that he would adopt plans that had been worked up by the previously deposed opposition leader to curb immigration from places deemed ‘high risk’ or too high risk, and not only that, but he would go further. In fact he said he would cut deeper into the annual migration intake.

We know that this new immigration policy has been founded on an inclination and an aspiration to be able to make sure that Pauline Hanson’s One Nation preferences come flowing their way. This is not sport. In Cranbourne we are a community built by families from all over the world – people who came here, who worked hard and who have raised their children and built a life. The Filipino community have told me that members of the community are anxious about this. They are anxious about being on a hit list, and they are anxious that they are collateral in an attempt by the Liberal Party to cosy up to the One Nation party. People are getting picked on, and families are worried. I call on the minister for immigration to continue the work she is doing. I am looking forward to her updating me on the actions she is taking to reassure the community, but I do call on the community to – (Time expired)