05 November, 2024
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Strengthening Ties: Maronite Community Leaders and Australian Parliamentarians Unite for Lebanon’s Future

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On 21 August 2024, an unprecedented event was held at Parliament House in Canberra, uniting over eighty Maronite community leaders with Members of Parliament, Ministers, and Shadow Ministers. Hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, and co-chaired by Dr Andrew Charlton MP, this was the first official gathering of the Maronite community at the Australian Parliament. The event aimed not only to celebrate this vibrant community but also to address critical issues affecting Lebanon.

The meeting served as a platform to raise awareness among Australian Parliamentarians about Lebanon’s ongoing crises, particularly the refugee situation, economic decline, and political instability. The discussions, led by prominent Maronite leaders and key Australian figures, provided a sobering account of Lebanon’s challenges and explored how Australia can support the recovery of this important nation.

Key Highlights of the Roundtable

Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay:
Bishop Tarabay delivered a compelling address on the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, which has left the nation struggling under the immense weight of hosting over 1.5 million displaced Syrians. He highlighted the $4.5 billion annual cost of this burden and urged Australia to lead international efforts to facilitate the safe return of these refugees to Syria, a sentiment echoed by many in attendance.

Mr. Anwar Harb:
Harb focused on Lebanon’s political paralysis, exacerbated by Hezbollah’s dominance. He called for Australia’s intervention in promoting constitutional reforms and the election of a new president, warning that Lebanon’s Christian community is particularly vulnerable in this unstable climate.

Mr. Phillip Salem:
Addressing the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Salem warned of the risks of escalation and its impact on Lebanon, urging Australian officials to push for peace in the region. He also stressed the potential ramifications for Australian citizens and the refugee crisis if conflict intensifies.

Mr. Sharbel Elias:
Elias offered a stark analysis of Lebanon’s economic collapse, citing hyperinflation, rampant unemployment, and daily power blackouts as critical issues. He appealed to Australia for assistance in driving international investment and reforms to revive Lebanon’s economy.

Sr. Margaret Ghosn:
Ghosn emphasised the dire state of Lebanon’s educational system, particularly for Maronite Catholic schools. With no government subsidies, these schools are reliant on skyrocketing tuition fees, forcing many families into financial distress. She called on Australia and the international community to provide urgent support to preserve Lebanon’s education system.

The roundtable culminated with an evening reception hosted by the Speaker, during which he proposed making the event an annual gathering. Senior members of the Maronite community, including Mr Anthony Torbey and Clr Rachelle Harika, presented gifts to Members of Parliament as tokens of gratitude for their support.

Next Steps

Following this successful event, a series of strategic actions have been planned to ensure Australia’s continued support for Lebanon:

  1. September 2024: A communique summarising the key points from the meeting was issued, urging increased support for Lebanon, particularly in resolving the refugee crisis and advocating for political stability.
  2. October 2024: Ministers, including the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, were briefed on the communique ahead of their international engagements. The Foreign Minister, during her visit to the United Nations, pledged increased aid to Lebanon and arranged for emergency flights to evacuate Australian citizens from Lebanon amidst growing regional tensions.
  3. Early 2025: The Foreign Minister will visit Parramatta to report on the progress made following these international discussions.
  4. Mid-2025: Australian Parliamentarians will engage directly with their Lebanese counterparts, fostering political cooperation.
  5. September 2025: The second annual Maronite community event will be held in Canberra, continuing this vital dialogue.

The Maronite community’s event in Parliament House stands as a testament to the strong ties between Australia and Lebanon. Through ongoing parliamentary engagement and international support, Australia is well-positioned to play a key role in assisting Lebanon during these trying times.

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