Wednesday, 10 September 2025

Statements on tabled papers and petitions

Department of Premier and Cabinet

Victorian Government Report on Multicultural Affairs 2023–24

Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (17:26): I rise to make a statement on the Victorian Government Report on Multicultural Affairs 2023–24. One community that is mentioned in that report a few times is our growing and vibrant Nepalese community, particularly the large Nepalese community in the northern suburbs. I want to take an opportunity to extend both sympathy and support during this very difficult period that Nepal is currently experiencing. I want to bring to the attention of this Parliament the tragic and historic events unfolding in Nepal in recent days and as we speak. I am a proud supporter of our Nepalese community and have been to countless Nepalese community events in my time as an MP.

What began as a youth-led mobilisation, widely known as the Gen Z protest, was sparked by a government ban on major social media platforms. This ban was merely a tipping point. Beneath it lies years of frustration with corruption, the abuse of power by politicians and the lack of accountability and meaningful reform. The young people of Nepal are demanding transparency, political renewal and the protection of their digital, civic and cultural freedoms that are ingrained in this anti-communist movement. The human cost of these events has been heartbreaking. Reports confirm at least 19 protesters killed, along with three police officers and even the tragic death of the wife of the former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, bringing the total fatalities to 23 lives lost that we know of, while hundreds more have been injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those mourning across Nepal and to the Nepalese diaspora here at home. The situation escalated rapidly. Protesters stormed parliament, torched parts of government offices and attacked residences of leaders, including the president, the prime minister and other senior ministers. Among those assaulted was the president of the Nepali Congress, the largest political party, along with the finance minister and foreign minister. The pressure eventually led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

To the people of Nepal, especially those of Nepalese origin here in Victoria and across Australia, I say that we stand with you during this difficult time. Your pain, your resilience and your aspirations are felt here, far from Kathmandu but close in spirit. This movement is not only about political change in Nepal; it represents a generational call for justice, integrity and democratic freedom. The voices of young Nepalis echo far beyond the borders, reminding us all of the enduring importance of accountability in government. Let us, as a Parliament, extend our solidarity to the people of Nepal, honour the memory of those who have lost their lives and hope that through this turmoil a more transparent and just political future will emerge. As your Liberal member for the Northern Metropolitan Region and as Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I will continue to stand with you, celebrate with you and work with you. The Nepalese community have our support and our compassion, and we stand with you.

I have had the pleasure of attending, as I said, countless Nepalese community events. Recently it was great to join the Far Western Nepalese Society of Victoria at Gaura Parva 2025 celebrations in Brunswick, and I also joined thousands over the weekend at the first ever Indra Jātrā celebration held in Australia, at Diggers Rest at the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre. It is always a joy to support and attend Nepalese community events. I would like to acknowledge my friends at the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre, the Craigieburn Nepalese association, the Doreen–Mernda Nepalese association, the Nepalese Association of Victoria and the Non-Resident Nepali Association. धन्यवाद.