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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2017-06-20 Daily Xml
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Refugee Week

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:14): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON: Mr Speaker, I know that you share the government's commitment to support refugees who arrive in South Australia from countries that have experienced conflict. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that the number of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people worldwide is 65.3 million. Over the past two years, more than 2,000 humanitarian entrants have settled in South Australia. Their stories are all different, but share common experiences of courage and resilience.

Events are being held throughout South Australia this week to celebrate the contribution of refugees as part of Refugee Week, which runs from 18 to 24 June. This important occasion comes at a time of considerable attention towards refugees and asylum seekers. For example, the current debate about the Turnbull government's plan to overhaul our citizenship test has descended into talks about Australian values, which no-one seems to be able to define, least of all the Prime Minister himself or his immigration minister.

In my time as Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I have met motivated young people, such as Arian and Mahyar Rezaei, who started life anew in South Australia as refugees, but their tenacity for enterprise led them to start their own business, Ayla's Cafe, which is creating jobs in the member for Adelaide's electorate. I am inspired by 18-year-old Kbora Ali, whose family arrived in South Australia in 2007 as refugees fleeing the wrath of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Kbora has decided that her future lay not among textbooks and classrooms but in camouflage and combat. She is the first female Afghan refugee to serve in the Australian Army. I am grateful for our Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le, whose life story is a solid reminder that refugees are extraordinary people with unique skills, resolve and passion that can better communities.

The contributions of refugees are indisputable, from the early 19th century, when Greek and Italian communities operated small businesses creating jobs and leading innovation in South Australia, to 2015, when Bhutanese refugees reached into their own purses to raise funds for those affected by the Sampson Flat bushfire. The willingness of refugees to strengthen our communities is what makes me proud to be South Australian. Indeed, it makes me proud to be Australian.

I am pleased that so many refugees, who have become an integral part of South Australia, will have the opportunity to share their experiences, skills and talents as part of this year's Refugee Week. I strongly encourage all South Australians and, indeed, members of this house, to celebrate Refugee Week at an event in their local community. These events are an opportunity for us all to join together to celebrate our rich cultural diversity. Please visit www.refugeeweek.org.au for more information about events near you.

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