Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Community safety

Samantha RATNAM (Northern Metropolitan) (15:07): Since the invasion of Gaza began thousands of people across Australia have been joining with others calling for peace and liberation for Palestinians. These calls have been at marches, rallies, public meetings and every space that people can urge decision-makers to act. The community is asking for our governments to take action, stop dealing with arms manufacturers, end agreements with Israel’s defence ministry, use diplomatic sanctions and recognise Palestine as a state. Despite these clear calls from the community, Labor governments across the country are failing to act.

It is not surprising Labor and Liberal MPs are now facing backlash from communities. These communities have seen through the hollow promises and empty rhetoric and are rightly dismayed and feeling betrayed. Multicultural communities are finding their voice and their power. We have heard their anguish and felt their grief. Standing by the community in their time of greatest need is what allies do, and there are thousands of progressive, compassionate allies joining with the Palestinian community in this movement for peace.

But instead of responding to these communities, Labor is attacking people who are calling for peaceful intervention. By blaming those who dare to speak up for peace, Labor is creating division. Labor has become disconnected from multicultural communities, and because they are feeling uncomfortable as they lose support, they think the community is the problem instead of acknowledging that, in truth, they may be the problem. When politicians stop listening to people and start blaming them instead, trust in our leaders diminishes. If there is a threat to social cohesion right now, it rests with those in power who refuse to hear this global plea for peace.