Bosnian Independence Day Celebration

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-100921

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Bosnian Independence Day Celebration

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (18:39:11):

In February I had the pleasure of representing Premier Gladys Berejiklian at the Bosnian Independence Day High Tea in Parliament. I acknowledge the New South Wales Honorary Consul General of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Demila Gabriel, and her husband, Chris Gabriel. I thank them for inviting me and hosting what was an amazing high tea with more than 150 attendees, including the Hon. David Clarke, from the other place, and the member for Chifley, Ed Husic. Their support and commitment to the relationship between New South Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina is greatly appreciated. I also recognise the number of consuls general and representatives from many nations around the world who were also in attendance at State Parliament. I know how important it was to Mrs Gabriel to have the support and encouragement of representatives from other nations.

This event is more significant than many in the House may realise, and it will be remembered for many years to come. This was the first time that a Bosnian Independence Day celebration event had been held in a House of Parliament anywhere in the world. Held on 1 March, Bosnian Independence Day is a public holiday observed by the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to celebrate the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1992. As part of a globalised network of countries, it was inspiring to see that we can celebrate each other's wins, but also mourn and stand beside each other in times of hardship. We have stood in solidarity with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as we celebrated their independence since 1992, and this was their twenty-third annual Independence Day since formal recognition in 1995.

Although political allegiance has usually been based on ethnic identity since the end of the Bosnian War, democracy is absolutely paramount to the promising and potential-filled future of this nation. A right to liberty, equality and safety and the opportunity to learn and own property are vital aspects of participating and contributing to society. They construct the underpinnings of a fair and just world. I am still amazed at the outcome of the referendum that took place in 1992. When people were asked if they favoured the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a State of equal citizens and nations of all religions and backgrounds, the result was overwhelmingly supportive—99.7 per cent of those who participated in the referendum voted for independence.

That vast majority shows us how crucial it is to take into consideration the beliefs and convictions of a population when the trajectory of a nation is being planned. People must be involved in deciding their own country's future. However, freedom often comes with a price. After the declaration of independence, a series of atrocities followed, including genocide and ethnic cleansing—a period in which more than two million Bosnians were displaced. May we never forget the fight and struggle the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina endured for their freedom and independence. Today I ask that members in this House honour, respect and reflect on this nation's heritage. My involvement and interaction with the Bosnian community in the past seven years might be brief, but it has always been an enriching experience.

In my electorate of Oatley, according to recent census data, many people identify as having Bosnian ancestry. Whilst it may seem a marginal population, Oatley has the eighth-highest population of Australian Bosnians out of 93 State electoral districts in New South Wales. The district of New South Wales that I have the honour of representing in Parliament has one of the most multiculturally diverse communities in the State. I have had the privilege of meeting local Bosnians in my few visitations to the Penshurst Mosque, which is only a two‑minute drive from my electorate office. I congratulate the Bosnian community in my electorate and across the State on their Independence Day event. I hope their festivities were reflective, celebratory and enjoyable as they commemorated with family, friends and the broader community.