Spreading the word of global love

Address to the national launch of the Decade to Overcome Violence in Australia
by Paula Masselos on Friday, 21 March 2003

I acknowledge the traditional landowners, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, on whose land we are on today.

Heads of Churches, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am very honoured to be here today, as a patron, to celebrate the launch of the Decade to Overcome Violence in Australia. And while this significant event is being held on Harmony Day, I much rather prefer to think of it as the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

I make this point especially as I have been asked to share with you why support DOV.

For me, it is about shaping the kind of open, civil society that is based on key human values where people can live meaningful lives which are free from fear and violence. A society which is accepting of our diversity in all its splendour be it race, gender, religion, disability or sexual preference.

As a Greek Australian of the Greek Orthodox faith, I have experienced and participated in the growth of our multicultural society for many years. Many of us have worked tirelessly to build a vibrant, diverse and tolerant multicultural society.

Indeed, so important is this concept that the NSW government has enshrined it in legislation which recognises the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds ....... While promoting the equal rights and responsibilities of all people .... Within a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society, in which diversity is regarded as a strength and asset.

The key principles are also linked to the notion of citizenship which refers to the importance of shared values within a democratic framework as well as a unifying commitment to Australia, its interests and future.

This linking of Citizenship with social justice, community harmony and cultural and economic opportunities in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-racial society is pivotal in moving our society to next level and into the new millennium. It is about inclusiveness, understanding and mutual respect.

Indeed, this very important social experiment, which in now very much part of who we are as a nation, has proven its worth many times in our recent history. During periods of instability and conflict in other countries, the communities here have been able to dialogue and move from tolerance to mutual respect and understanding thereby setting an example for the rest of the world.

In my view, multiculturalism has matured into being one of the central pillars of our democratic and pluralist society. In fact, multiculturalism is a significant factor in the manifestation and preservation of core human values which underpin our open and civil society - a society where violence is minimized because of these core values. I believe we are very privileged to be living in such a society.

So why have I dwelled upon my commitment to multiculturalism? Mutual acceptance and respect is based on knowledge and understanding and constitute core tenets for an inclusive and empowering life. We need these now even more as we see the daily manifestation of violence and war. In fact for me, multiculturalism is an antidote to war and violence.

The launch of DOV and your deliberations today on how to overcome violence couldn't be more timely. We are presently bearing witness to an immoral and illegal invasion of a country - a position which is shared by my Archbishop, Stylianos of Australia. A country that has more than 50% of its population under the age of 15. Countless innocents will die and suffer in the long-term as a consequence of this war.

While devastating, I am taking heart too as this war has galvanised a world wide peace movement never before seen in the history of the world. It is global, public and loud and engaging people from all strata of society to hotly debate the very nature of war and violence. I am hearing that old '60's slogan, "love not war" which makes me ask, are we finally seeing the globalisation of love? Now that would be nice!

Recently I participated in an email petition to the UN Security Council which saw 1 million signatures gathered world wide in just two days. I participated in the peace march which saw half a million Sydneysiders come out in support of peace. I marched yesterday as part of 20,000 people in the heart of Sydney's CBD.

The peace movement is moving and I wait excitedly to see where this will take us as a country and as individuals who have realised that when we band together, we have great strength. Although the war has commenced, our voices have been heard and many politicians have reviewed or strengthened their positions as a result.  And our voices will continue to be heard through activities such as those considered by the DOV Group today.

And while the world and its structures such as the UN focus on violent conflicts of this nature, I would like to focus today on notions of violence at both the community and personal level too.

For while we may be distracted by world events, our society and us as individuals within this society also suffer as a result of the manifestation of violence.

Over the last 18 months, I have seen a steady decrease in the civility of our society and an increase in violence perpetrated upon its members spurred on by a number of events.

We have seen the rise of racism, which has been fed by incidents such as the Tampa crisis. The recent Anti terrorism campaign has also served to feed this with almost half of the 10,000 calls to the hotline being people reporting what they considered suspicious behaviour. The Community Relations Commission's hotline has also recorded people being victimised because of their race or religion.

Much of this has been fed through the cultivation of a culture of fear. Where posting of a packet of rice can facilitate a visit by the local police. We are bunkered down, we are scared as a nation. Since Bali, where Australian blood was spilled as a direct result of Australians as targets, we are no longer innocent. For me, these are acts of violence against our very soul and spirit and perhaps the biggest challenge which DOV must confront - to work in stemming the consequences of violence, fear and hate at this level.

Our multicultural society has been a beacon to the world in community harmony, tolerance, understanding and peace; where communities have come together in the spirit of  these values to discuss and manage these difficult issues as they arise. It reflects aspects of civil and open society which is the antithesis of violent, fearful and repressive mindsets, whether at the national, community or personal levels.

So, I see DOV as possibly instigating a new social movement - one based on peace, love, respect and mutual understanding as we strive to uphold core human values and build a society which is free of violence and fear.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of a group of concerned and committed people committed to fighting violence and - shall we say, spreading the word of global love.