2016-11-22
Ms DUNN (Eastern Metropolitan) — Citizens around the world are still processing what an unbridled conservative Trump presidency will mean for worldwide stability and for race, gender, religious and sexual equality in the US. This follows the resurgence of far-right nationalism across Europe, and even in Australia with the recent re-election of Pauline Hanson.
It is more important than ever to remember the power we have as a community to create the world we want to live in.
Recently the Eltham community made headlines for its welcoming and inspiring responses to people seeking asylum coming to live in this eastern metropolitan town. Butterflies and messages of welcome succeeded in stamping out messages from far-right hate groups, who flew in and were threatening local community members and the people seeking asylum who will now call Eltham home. With its tree-lined streets, Eltham has always been proud of its strong, progressive community, with its focus on art, culture and the environment. The arrival of these far-right hate groups contradicted the values of the local community. Local residents and the 'welcome to Eltham' activists demonstrated that they embrace inclusivity and diversity, and recognise the many benefits people seeking asylum will bring to our local communities.
I am pleased and proud to celebrate these values alongside them. We need to have these discussions in a positive, active and peaceful way across Victoria. It is a pleasure to stand alongside the community in Eltham, as one of its representatives in the Victorian upper house, and my fellow Greens colleagues to welcome people seeking asylum to Victoria.