Speech by Ed Husic MP

Matter of Public Importance
February 22nd, 2011

Mr HUSIC (Chifley) (4.12 pm)— I’ve often said that if you want to see some of the proudest Australians, take yourself to a Citizenship Ceremony.

On those days, when families are brought together, seeing others take the pledge to their new nation, you see some of the happiest faces in the country.

I have to admit my own heart bursts with pride watching the smiles, the looks that are exchanged, the arms on another person’s shoulder.

And every moment the bond between new citizen and new home deepens.

It is among the moments I live for as a Member of Parliament – and I share in that joy as people feel the uplifting power of a second chance, sensing a brighter future ahead.

Our new citizens feel they can grow in a nation free of persecution – one where democracy, freedom of thought, freedom of religion are core values, held dear by the nation – and expected to be cherished, nourished and protected by its citizens.

So many of us have shared those experiences in electorates across one of the greatest nations on the planet.

It’s a powerful experience because we are inspired by the outward demonstration of unity and commitment to common good.

But a commitment to a united and common good cannot be found upon divided ground.

Those before us – in this place – had the wisdom to recognise this.

Over the course of a quarter of a century they worked together to peel away a policy we rightly shun today – the White Australia Policy.

The policy had its birth in the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, but in 1949 Minister Holt of the Menzies Government took the step of releasing the grip of this policy by allowing non-European refugees from World War II to remain in Australia – followed up by a decision in 1957 to allow certain non-Europeans with 15 years residence to become citizens.

The Menzies Government ditched the ‘dictation test” which had applicants undertake tests in languages they had no hope of knowing, such as Latin.

In 1966 then Minister Opperman announced applications would be received from non-Europeans.

Significantly, in 1973 the Whitlam Government introduced a specifically non-racially based immigration policy. It has been a cornerstone of policy for 38 years.

Unchallenged.

Until last week.

When three distinct events combined to create a firm image in the minds of many that levering off religion for political advantage is something not being pursued by a fringe group – but by a major party in this country.