Dr WOODRUFF (Franklin – Leader of the Greens) – Honourable Speaker, on behalf of the Greens, I acknowledge the International Day of Sign Languages next week. First, I acknowledge the lived experience of deaf people, those who live in a world of sound and, if we are honest, an ableist world, and, of course, Tasdeaf, who provide critical interpretation services and education programs.
I can only imagine how different it is for those in the deaf community. I suspect, like other members, I will spend a great deal of time not knowing exactly what to say today. We exist in a loud, rowdy and rambunctious environment as parliamentarians, despite the honourable Speaker’s best efforts.
Today is an historic moment in Tasmania’s parliamentary history and the Greens are honoured to be part of it. Parliaments are too often the last place to move into the modern world. I am really happy I get the opportunity to speak after both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition. It means I have had the pleasure of watching Allie Dale interpret our words for the deaf community in their language. Too often it is only in times of crisis that leaders think to invite Auslan interpreters into our lives.
Many Tasmanians remember the daily updates during the peak of the COVID pandemic, where Auslan interpreter Stephen Nicholson became somewhat of a celebrity, but it should not be in times of emergency and crisis when we think about communicating with the deaf community; language and connection are every day.
Some of my staff told me this morning that Taylor Swift had an Auslan interpreter at her concerts. While I am not really a Swiftie myself, that is something that parliamentarians should think about. While in parliament, we have invited Allie on to the floor today, and they will not be referred to, as we would say, a ‘stranger in the House’. No-one should be a stranger to democracy.
As Greens, we are extremely proud of Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act and will do everything within our power to not only defend those laws but to strengthen them. Today, our House of parliament will hopefully debate the government’s Disability Inclusion and Safeguarding Bill, another step forward, but we acknowledge it is a path we must continuously move along.
Last, in preparing for today, I also spent a lot of time thinking about the concept of hearing versus listening. While members of this parliament do not have the lived experience of not hearing, we all have the capacity to listen, learn and act. It is, in fact, our obligation. Thank you for this opportunity to speak today.
Members – Hear, hear.
