STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Dr GARLAND (Chisholm) (13:42): Today is the International Day of Democracy, and I believe that defending our democracy is the job of everyone in this place and everyone who aspires to be in this place. Sadly, I've been thoroughly appalled, as has my community, by attempts over the last few elections to undermine our proud system. My wonderful electorate of Chisholm was confronted with misleading signs in AEC purple at the 2019 election.

In 2022 we saw some terrible behaviour which led to the AFP attending prepoll booths regularly. In 2025 we saw a disgraceful assault on our democracy through the swarming on our beautiful community by members of the far right and the Exclusive Brethren. I was personally attacked by notorious characters almost daily.

But it is on the behalf of the voters and volunteers that I am so upset by the conduct at that election in 2025. People who want to contribute to our country were subjected to vile abuse and intimidation. I witnessed voters distressed, relentlessly harassed, when they were simply trying to exercise their right to vote.

I am so pleased that the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is making it their business to pursue this horrible undermining of our democratic system. I add my voice in supporting the upholding of the Australian values of respect and integrity in our democracy. Happy International Day of Democracy to you, Deputy Speaker Claydon.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Claydon ): Thank you. Member for Berowra.