5 years ago
ADDRESS TO THE KHMER COMMUNITY OF NSW 100 DAY BOB HAWKE COMMEMORATION
CHRIS BOWEN MP
I know you all join with me in celebrating the fact that we meet on the lands of the Cabrogal People of the Eora Nation, and we all pay our respects to the elders of the Cabrogal people.
It is extraordinarily thoughtful of the Khmer Community to hold this ceremony to mark 100 days since the death of Bob Hawke, in recognition of his contribution to the democratisation of Cambodia and his attitude to Cambodian refugees, so many of who are here are today.
I am delighted that Bob’s widow Blanche and his close friend Craig Emerson can join us this morning for this sacred and moving chanting ceremony, in keeping with Khmer traditions.
Cambodia: the beautiful, culturally rich, historic country that it is has suffered far more than its fair share of tragedy and heartbreak.
Cambodians have fought for their country, in many ways, both at home and abroad.
But you have needed friends and champions in high places in other countries.
And they have stepped forward when needed.
We recognise the two foreign ministers of the Hawke Government, Bill Hayden and Gareth Evans who seamlessly promoted the Cambodian peace settlement over their time in office.
It’s also appropriate to acknowledge Michael Costello, the then Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs who was intimately involved in bringing peace and democratisation to Cambodia.
As were many countless diplomats and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
These important players all operated in the Hawke Government, which is why you have convened the Khmer Community to honour him today.
Bob believed in Australia being an active, independent player in foreign affairs, and being a force for good.
And hence Bill Hayden and Gareth Evans knew that they would have the support of their prime minister as they took an active role on Australia’s behalf in promoting an end to decades of discord and death.
This was in keeping with Bob Hawke’s approach to foreign affairs: standing for a better world whether it be in South Africa, the Antarctic or Cambodia.
And of course, Bob had the view that Australia should be a welcoming refuge for those who had fled the violence of Cambodia, a view consistent with his position Australia’s humanitarian obligations.
It is appropriate today to note that in this respect, Bob’s approach represented a continuation of the approach of his predecessor as Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.
So it is right and appropriate and very much appreciated that the Khmer community gather to today to honour this giant of Australian politics.
But there is one other way we can honour Bob Hawke.
That is to recognise that the Paris Peace Accord which held for decades, has not ensured democracy in Cambodia today.
To say frankly that Cambodia has lost the democratic spirit and protection of freedoms in recent years.
And that Australia, while being proud of the achievements of Hawke, Hayden and Evans, wants to see democracy returned to Cambodia and wants the people of Cambodia to be free to express their views and will, regardless whether they live in Australia or Cambodia.
That will be to honour Bob’s legacy in the most meaningful way.
Thank you again for organising today’s moving ceremony in recognition of a remarkable man and his achievements.
Bob was proud of Australia having played such a role in Cambodia’s pathway to peace.
He was proud of you, the Australians of Cambodian heritage who sought and received refuge here.
And we would be especially proud today.
ENDS
It is extraordinarily thoughtful of the Khmer Community to hold this ceremony to mark 100 days since the death of Bob Hawke, in recognition of his contribution to the democratisation of Cambodia and his attitude to Cambodian refugees, so many of who are here are today.
I am delighted that Bob’s widow Blanche and his close friend Craig Emerson can join us this morning for this sacred and moving chanting ceremony, in keeping with Khmer traditions.
Cambodia: the beautiful, culturally rich, historic country that it is has suffered far more than its fair share of tragedy and heartbreak.
Cambodians have fought for their country, in many ways, both at home and abroad.
But you have needed friends and champions in high places in other countries.
And they have stepped forward when needed.
We recognise the two foreign ministers of the Hawke Government, Bill Hayden and Gareth Evans who seamlessly promoted the Cambodian peace settlement over their time in office.
It’s also appropriate to acknowledge Michael Costello, the then Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs who was intimately involved in bringing peace and democratisation to Cambodia.
As were many countless diplomats and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
These important players all operated in the Hawke Government, which is why you have convened the Khmer Community to honour him today.
Bob believed in Australia being an active, independent player in foreign affairs, and being a force for good.
And hence Bill Hayden and Gareth Evans knew that they would have the support of their prime minister as they took an active role on Australia’s behalf in promoting an end to decades of discord and death.
This was in keeping with Bob Hawke’s approach to foreign affairs: standing for a better world whether it be in South Africa, the Antarctic or Cambodia.
And of course, Bob had the view that Australia should be a welcoming refuge for those who had fled the violence of Cambodia, a view consistent with his position Australia’s humanitarian obligations.
It is appropriate today to note that in this respect, Bob’s approach represented a continuation of the approach of his predecessor as Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.
So it is right and appropriate and very much appreciated that the Khmer community gather to today to honour this giant of Australian politics.
But there is one other way we can honour Bob Hawke.
That is to recognise that the Paris Peace Accord which held for decades, has not ensured democracy in Cambodia today.
To say frankly that Cambodia has lost the democratic spirit and protection of freedoms in recent years.
And that Australia, while being proud of the achievements of Hawke, Hayden and Evans, wants to see democracy returned to Cambodia and wants the people of Cambodia to be free to express their views and will, regardless whether they live in Australia or Cambodia.
That will be to honour Bob’s legacy in the most meaningful way.
Thank you again for organising today’s moving ceremony in recognition of a remarkable man and his achievements.
Bob was proud of Australia having played such a role in Cambodia’s pathway to peace.
He was proud of you, the Australians of Cambodian heritage who sought and received refuge here.
And we would be especially proud today.
ENDS