It is unthinkable in this, our country that families enjoying a peaceful and happy celebration should suddenly find themselves protecting their children from bullets, and hiding in a place that was never, ever designed for hiding.
This attack – this horrific, unbelievable attack – struck at the heart of what it is to be Australian at one of our most recognisably iconic Australian locations.
Fifteen people who got up the morning of the 14 December, dressed and packed for a celebration at the beach… did not come home. May they rest in peace.
The hundreds, if not thousands, of people who loved those 15 victims awoke the following morning to a life that is forever altered.
My heart – and the heart of the Parkes electorate community – goes to those families. I am sorry that two people with hate at their core have taken the people you love.
My thoughts – and the thoughts of the Parkes electorate community – go to the people who were injured, who ran with their children, who will forever bear the scars of fear.
This is not Australia as we know it. Not the Australia we have grown up with where Aussies come in all shapes and sizes and help each other live a free and caring life. This was not an Australian act.
The best of Australia was on display in the moments following the horrific attack, with our dedicated selfless first responders and lifeguards’ actions to save lives. Our ambulance offices, doctors, nurses, police and emergency services – They are all heroes.
We in this Parliament must come together to show those who have had their lives torn apart that this can not happen again.
We must show Australians who felt the horror at this happening in our home that this is not right.
We must act so that our good people – whatever their beliefs – are valued and that they are safe.
A Holocaust survivor, a retired detective, a happy couple, a girl called Matilda … they deserved better.
I hope that in this place where we represent all Australians, whether they be from Condoblin or Canberra, Darwin or Devonport, we can lead by example. I hope we can find a way to ensure people can celebrate in safety at the beach, or in the desert, or in the rainforest, or at home in their own suburb, without fear.
We must find workable safeguards that do not punish the many millions of Australians who do the right thing, whilst also removing the dark stain of hatred that led to this attack.
As we remember those who died and those who will forever relive the horror, we will fight to find the best way forward to preserve our beautiful, Australian way of life.