Mr GARRETT (1:45 PM) —Holding in my left hand a Timorese scarf given to me as a gift by Xanana Gusmao, I rise in the House this afternoon to express on behalf of millions of Australians, including many in this parliament, our profound support for East Timorese aspirations for economic and ongoing political independence. We recognise in this House the travails that East Timor has experienced, including the years of military occupation that resulted in significant loss of life, particularly amongst the male citizens of Timor. We recognise the appalling conditions of poverty, which I have experienced first-hand, that the people of Timor Leste suffer, and we recognise the lack of sufficient education, the lack of sufficient health resources and the lack of sufficient capacity for people to build a society that can take it through into the 21st century with stability. All those necessary things are still absent.

We note also that the United Nations has only now finished its work there and that some 50 or so Timorese refugees currently in and around Darwin, many of whom have families in Australia, are seeking to make Australia their home. They should be allowed to stay. Ministerial intervention in their cases is absolutely necessary. I note further that the minister, Senator Vanstone, has indicated that she will reconsider this situation. East Timor deserves our support. (Time expired)