Halima Bhatti 18/3/26
[7.07 p.m.]
Ms BURNET (Clark) - Honourable Deputy Speaker, I rise this evening, in the last nights of Ramadan for this year, to speak about the importance of multiculturalism and diversity in our community and how I believe we can best celebrate and champion multiculturalism and diversity. I acknowledge the minister's comments about Harmony Week and the Walk Against Racism. Advocating for a multicultural, diverse, and tolerant community is more important than ever in the context of the Bondi terrorist attack during the Jewish festival of Chanukah, increased racism and political polarisation in our community, the March for Australia rallies and rise of One Nation, and the ongoing and insidious toll these debates have had on our migrant and refugee communities.
Last Sunday, 15 March, marked the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, an important day to reflect on. With recent terrorist attacks both overseas and on Australian soil, there has been a marked increase in populism, nationalism, extremism, including Islamophobia in our communities, with more Muslim Australians reporting violence, taunts and abuse. We know that there is a significant growing Muslim population in Tasmania, so it's up to us to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Everyone is welcome in Tasmania.
Last month, I hosted an exhibition opening in my North Hobart office for Arabic calligraphy artist Halima Bhatti, who has been living and working in Hobart for the past decade. Halima has exhibited at venues across the state, including at the Moonah Arts Centre, the Waterside Pavilion and the Devonport Regional Gallery. She also generously shares her knowledge of Arabic calligraphy at workshops Tasmania‑wide. It's a real pleasure to host Halima's artwork because it speaks of the importance of building bridges, of taking time to listen and learn from each other - two things much needed in today's noisy, polarised, politicised world. It doesn't take long to understand someone else's perspective. Art is really helpful, just a willingness to learn and put yourself in someone else's shoes.
Halima's artwork reminds us of the importance of this. Not only is her artwork beautiful but it embodies all these principles. It is thoughtful, evocative, reflective, and reminds us of the importance of building bridges and of learning from each other. It's a real honour to have her pieces hanging in my office. It is a community space, it's in the community meeting room. I encourage anybody in Clark who needs a meeting room, or any member, to come visit and have a look, including you, minister.
Ms Ogilvie - I love arts, so you know I'm there.
Ms BURNET - In today's world, the need to sit and reflect, to build bridges and to learn rather than judge is more important than ever. Imagine how we could achieve this with that mindset.