Motions

Silence for World Peace

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (19:55): I move:

That this council—

1. Recognises we live in internationally turbulent times and are witness to the destructive consequences being endured by those living in war zones throughout the world.

2. Recognises the human right of all people to a safe existence and acknowledges the importance of global peace—learnt through the devastation of past conflicts.

3. Encourages every member of every community to come together to support global peace.

4. Notes that the three-minute silence for world peace will be staged on 10 December 2024 between 6.00-6.30pm at Peace Park (Karrawirra-Park 12) in North Adelaide and that:

(a) the event is neutral with no speeches, flags or banners; and

(b) the date falls on the United Nations International Day for Human Rights.

I rise in order to move the global peace motion, which calls on us all to reflect on our shared responsibility to uphold peace and defend the universal human rights of all people. In these turbulent times, as conflicts rage and innocent lives bear the brunt of war, we must confront the devastating consequences of violence with renewed determination to achieve global peace.

The United Nations International Day for Human Rights, observed on 10 December, urges us to reflect on the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—principles of equality, liberty and the right to a life of safety. Here in South Australia we look to the legacy of Muriel Matters, who exemplified the courage and commitment needed to advocate for peace.

In 1915, as the world was engulfed in war, Ms Matters hosted a peace conference, calling for an end to all conflict and urging nations to pursue global harmony. The ideals for which Ms Matters stood—dialogue, justice and global unity—are as vital now as they were a century ago. Her work reminds us that peace is an active pursuit, requiring the efforts of individuals, communities and nations.

On 10 December a three-minute silence for world peace will be held at Peace Park in North Adelaide. It will provide a moment of quiet unity, devoid of speeches, flags or banners, to recommit ourselves to these ideals. Let us stand together in silence, united in our resolve to carry forward the vision of Muriel Matters and countless others who dared to dream of a peaceful world. Let this be a moment to reaffirm our commitment to human rights and the shared pursuit of global peace.

I would ask that members in this place attend this significant event. As I pointed out, the world is going through a terrible situation right now. We wake up every day now to hear terrible news of what is happening in the world, with wars in the Ukraine, of course in the Middle East and elsewhere, but particularly over the last 12 or so months in Gaza and more recently in Southern Lebanon. It was a total relief to hear this morning that Israel and Hezbollah appear to have reached a solution for a ceasefire, which I think will occur overnight and for 60 days. That is certainly a breakthrough in the gloom that has beset the world since 7 October last year.

I hope that we again see more dialogue that will lead to a more peaceful solution in Gaza and elsewhere. Let's hope that we also see a peaceful resolution to the bloody, atrocious and horrific war that is being waged between Russia and Ukraine and now has North Korea involved. If we were ever close to having another world war, this is it. I think we must all unite and push and pray for peace.

Again, I ask members both in the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly to join us on 10 December for three minutes of silence for world peace. I also take the opportunity to commend a former member of the House of Assembly, the Hon. Frances Bedford, who is behind this initiative for three minutes of silence for world peace. Of course, we know that she is a strong stalwart and supporter of Muriel Matters, who was an icon of suffragettes from South Australia who campaigned strongly for women's rights and the right to vote.

This event will not only be an event to quietly reflect on world peace but also on the efforts of Muriel Matters and what she stood for. With that, I commend this motion to the chamber.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.