FIRST MUSLIM MP

Not everything that happens is bad or counter-productive. Sometimes progress occurs on the margins, but better than it occurs than not happening at all.

The “balanced House of Reps” in Canberra opens up possibilities, such as the increased likelihood of conscience votes and private members bills. In this new House of Representatives, along with the first Indigenous member, there is the first Muslim. I think these developments, although small, are not purely symbolic but give a tangible sense of inclusion.

ABC News Reported Ed Hasic as praising the contribution that immigrants had made to Australia and his saying in his maiden speech:

“My arrival here finally brings together the children of Abraham, Christians, Jews and Muslims, working together with other people of faith, with other people of values, for the national good, united under this one roof,” he said.

That said, since we import much of our political phraseology and agenda from the US and Europe, there still a concern with respect to scapegoating of minority groups.

ELSEWHERE:

The Sydney Morning Herald commented as well on Ed Hasic’s maiden speech – after which he had a close encounter with the PM. I wonder what happens when Mr Hasic voices critical comments of the behavior of the Israelis in the West Bank or the purchase of military technology from Israel, as he might, but somebody in Parliament should do.