16-November-2007
Articles, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
From my teens as a boy in Reservoir, I could never read enough about the Jewish experience. I could never reconcile the extraordinary contributions of the Jewish people with the persecution and discrimination that historically has been metered out.
My reading, and subsequent life experience with Jewish people in Australia, has left me with a strong and particular admiration.
What I find particularly admirable is the ability of the Jewish community to so steadfastly hold onto essential elements of their Jewish culture while simultaneously integrating and contributing handsomely to so many facets of the Australian community. It is a remarkable achievement, and portrays a certain strength of character and confidence.
I also particularly admire the great sense of family within the Jewish community. The community also has a keen eye for those least able to fend for themselves.
For these reasons, when I was granted the privilege of following in the foot-steps of a wonderful Australian, David Kemp, as the Federal Parliamentary Member for Goldstein, I was delighted to be representing one of Australia’s largest Jewish communities.
Of course, the Jewish contribution to Australian society dates back to the first fleet in 1788, and ever since has witnessed countless distinguished contributions to Australian life, including, of course, the quite extraordinary female suffragist, Vida Goldstein, after whom the seat I represent is named.
As the member for Goldstein since 2004, which houses just under 10 per cent of Australia’s Jewish population, I have witnessed first hand the closely knit community network; a network that extends from local councils, sporting clubs, community organisations to a number of wonderful Jewish schools.
I was particularly delighted as Minister to join Julie Bishop, Minister for Education, Science and Training, in presenting the Award for Excellence by a Principal to
Genia Janover, the Principal of Bialik College. A great testament to the importance of high quality education within the Jewish community.
Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Israel in 1949. Australia and Israel have a relationship built on a deep mutual understanding. We share many values and attributes including vibrant civil societies, market economies, the rule of law and democracy. As a friend, Australia has been side by side through not only the good times but also the bad.
There are few countries around the world that the State of Israel can count on more steadfastly than Australia.
Under a Coalition Government, this support has been taken to a new level under the Prime Ministership of John Howard. The Coalition will continue to lend a highly sympathetic ear to the pressures faced by the State of Israel in what remains the most fragile part of the world.
In order for there to be a just, lasting and peaceful solution, any settlement in the Middle East must contain a number of ingredients. Firstly, the right of Israel to exist behind secure defensible boundaries, and secondly for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a homeland.
The Coalition Government strongly supports ongoing efforts by the international community to re-energise the peace process and promote dialogue. The Government has consistently called on Hamas to accept the three conditions set out by the Middle East Quartet of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations. Australia calls on any Palestinian government to accept its international responsibilities and renounce terrorism and violence, recognise Israel, and accept any agreements made by previous Palestinian representatives. I strongly support this position.
This supports the Coalition Government’s commitment to building stability, supporting democracy and resisting the establishment of terrorist havens in Afghanistan and Iraq. We will also continue to work closely with international partners, particularly in South East Asia, to build the capacity of our neighbours to combat terrorist groups.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister John Howard, the Coalition has been the strongest supporter of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people in Australia. That strong support will continue should the Government be re-elected.
The level of support the Howard Government has shown the State of Israel is no where more evident than at the United Nations where we have sought to ensure Israel’s security, often treading a lonely path. Australia has consistently rejected resolutions in the United Nations, and other multilateral organisations, that are unbalanced and include anti-Israeli sentiment.
Furthermore, we have introduced a number of measures that have provided specific assistance to Jewish people in Australia. This includes in this term adjusting the funding formula for schools in recognition of the unique situation facing Jewish schools, and allowing tax deductions for donations for the Council for Jewish Security.
Beyond these issues the Jewish community’s needs and challenges mirror those of the broader community – the availability of a good job, strong health and education services, dignity and peace of mind in retirement, a secure community, a sustainable environment and help for those less well off.
All of these matters are best dealt with from a position of financial strength. This takes experience, skill and hard policy work. Our Labor opponents are highly inexperienced, and lack important balance because of the domination of the unions over decisions.
It is my very strong view that the Howard/Costello Government is far better placed to deliver this prosperity, security and quality of life.