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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-07-01 Daily Xml
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Refugee Week

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Minister, how is the state government supporting communities to celebrate the positive and multifaceted contribution made by refugees here in South Australia?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:59): I thank the member for Florey for this question, because I know that she shares the state government's commitment to supporting refugees who have arrived in South Australia from countries that have experienced conflict.

Recently, the Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia, in partnership with the Local Government Association of South Australia, hosted a civic reception in recognition of World Refugee Day and to mark the beginning of Refugee Week. It was at this event that we had two young refugees who shared with us their journey to Australia. It really does stay with you when you hear about a young man who, though very much supported by the United Nations, had spent six years in a tent. Coming to Australia has given him stability and opportunity for the future.

I was pleased to attend this event which encouraged communities across South Australia to celebrate Refugee Week under the themes 'With courage let us all combine' and 'A place to call home'. For those of us who regularly sing the national anthem, we will be familiar with 'With courage let us all combine', which is part of the second verse. These themes serve as a call for all of us to work together to make our community one where refugees feel welcome because it takes great strength to leave behind all that you have known and start life anew in a faraway land. Their stories are all different but share common experiences of courage and of people who speak out against persecution and injustice.

The Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia staged a number of events in and around Adelaide during Refugee Week, offering the community an opportunity to learn more about South Australians who arrived as refugees. The state government was pleased to pledge $10,250 towards the delivery of these events which celebrate their courage and resilience. Fleeing war and persecution, many refugees have gone on to make significant contributions in business, education, sport, politics and the arts. Among them is our Governor, His Excellency the Hon. Hieu Van Le AO, who has served our community with distinction since arriving in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.

He hosted a function to acknowledge the beginning of Refugee Week, and it was amazing to hear people who attended that event. I think the member for Bragg was there, also. For many, it was their first time at Government House, and it was the first time Refugee Week was acknowledged by a Governor of South Australia. I also had the opportunity to attend a first community dinner, which will happen every month, held in the Salisbury council region by Welcome to Australia and Salisbury council—a dinner that will be held for the wider community to attend and support refugees as—

The SPEAKER: The member for Newland and Taylor will cease masticating in the chamber, now—and the member for Kaurna. Member for Florey.

Ms BEDFORD: I would like to be able to hear the answer to my question. I have had nothing but cackle from the other side. I am trying to hear the answer to the question.

Members interjecting:

Ms BEDFORD: No, I am sorry. Refugee information should be important to you.

An honourable member interjecting:

Ms BEDFORD: I don't care about that. I am trying to hear the answer to my question.

The SPEAKER: I also would like to hear the minister's answer. Minister.

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Since World War II, more than 800,000 refugees have arrived in Australia. Many have settled here in our thriving state. People come to South Australia for many reasons: some want a better life, some are fleeing persecution and some want to give their families the best opportunities possible. The state government has a vision of a connected and integrated community, a place of equality where cultural and religious diversity is respected and valued, and that is why the state government is investing $12 million over four years to support our multicultural communities.

The SPEAKER: The minister's time has expired. I see the member for Unley.

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