On behalf of the Newtown electorate, I acknowledge the Australian women's football team, the Matildas, who have made it through to the next stage of the FIFA Women's World Cup after a resounding victory against Canada, the Olympic champions, and finishing first in their group. Countless Newtown residents have been proudly striding down King Street in a gold Sam Kerr or Ellie Carpenter jumper. It is wonderful to see such talented women hold a central space in the Australian zeitgeist, becoming strong role models for younger generations—the way women like Cathy Freeman were for others. Some 4.7 million people tuned in for Monday's game—more than for the Ashes—conclusively smashing any negative myths about public enthusiasm for women's sport. With one of the highest numbers of queer players in the tournament, the Matildas are also powerful leaders and role models for the queer community. I commend their championing of equal pay and conditions in sport, including using their platform to call out sexist discrepancies in prize money and raising awareness about women athletes' pay in Australia and abroad.
On the 13th of May, our office hosted a 2025 Nakba Day commemoration event in NSW Parliament. It was wonderful to be joined by so many activists and community members who remain committed to calling for a free Palestine. Joining us as our guest speaker was the wonderful Nasser Mashni, President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network. We were also joined by former NSW Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon, and Dr Peter Slezak, Honorary Associate Professor of Philosophy at UNSW. We thank them for their time and the powerful words that they shared with us on the evening. We would also like to recognise our wonderful co-hosts who made the evening possible, including supplying the delicious snacks! Be sure to check out their important work at the links below: Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine, Coalition of Women for Justice and Peace, Dare to Struggle Films, FILEF Australia, Jews Against the Occupation ‘48, Palestine Fair Trade Australia, Palestine Justice Movement Sydney, and Palestinian Christians in Australia On the evening, we presented a screening of “Palestinians Don’t Need Sidewalks,’ the second film produced by Dare to Struggle Films in partnership with the Hebron Human Rights Defenders. The film takes us through occupied Palestine. You can keep up with Dare To Struggle Films’ and further screenings of their work by following them here. Thank you to those who joined us to commemorate the Nakba that occurred 77 years ago and to recognise that the struggle for Palestinian liberation and an end to the occupation continues. Let us continue to struggle until Palestine is free. Photos taken by Ishbel Dunsmore
In February this year the Sydney Morning Herald reported on a community forum in solidarity with Palestine that I spoke at in December 2023. During the forum I used language that had unintended antisemitic implications and caused some members of the community hurt. I subsequently issued an unreserved public apology. Following this media coverage, an individual made a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. I am pleased we have now resolved the complaint through a conciliation process. In addition to the unreserved public apology I made in February this year, I have also made a $2000 donation to the Sydney Jewish Museum and will visit the Museum in the coming weeks as a way of deepening my understanding of racism, antisemitism and genocide. I have also chosen to donate $2000 to the Jewish Council of Australia - a diverse coalition of Jewish academics, lawyers, writers and teachers united in their opposition to Israel’s continued policies aimed at the destruction of Palestinian life. I reaffirm my commitment to continual care and reflection in my ongoing work for human rights and advocacy for a free Palestine.
