(Community Recognition Notices, 10 November, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I would like to express my solidarity with Sydney constituents who have been speaking out and rallying in support of Iranian citizens bravely challenging human rights abuses. Nobody should be excluded from equal participation in economic and social life on the basis of their gender, as is happening to women in Iran at the hands of 'morality police'. Nobody should be assaulted, shot by the military or harassed by 'thugs' in plain clothes while they are exercising their right to protest. Living in a democracy, we have a particular responsibility to speak out in support of those who are denied a voice and their freedoms are under threat. I thank all those constituents who contacted me about these important issues, especially Australian Iranians who have lived experience and family connections that make the country's turmoil more distressing. I hope that the solidarity expressed in Sydney will give support to those suffering during this urgent humanitarian matter.