People, who choose to view the world through the frame of one lens, have only a one dimensional view of reality. One dimensional people have little experience with the Muslim community and perpetuate racism based on media commentary which only represents one experience and focuses on the extreme.

If we look through a one dimensional lens we risk becoming the voices of contempt, judgement, and irrationality. The challenge for me is to view the world through many lenses to acknowledge the diversity within our country.

If I look through the lens of the evil acts of the Lindt Café, of a police accountant murdered, of the recent incidents in France and Germany and the reality of I.S. – I see brutality and evil and denounce these acts with every fibre of my being.

If I look through the lens at our Border Protection I see a conflicting reality where we must ruthlessly scrutinise anyone who try to enter our country whilst keeping in mind those who need our refuge and support. If I look through the lens of the young Muslim people I see they feel judged and threatened, unsure whether they should venture outside their home because of the verbal abuse and racism of a small minority.

When I look through the lens of mainstream Australians I see the desire for peace and acceptance of all people. When I look through the lens of mainstream Muslim community, I see decent people who value Australia and its values and we cannot label them with the experience of terrorists and pure evil.

I work across many communities and with many young Muslim kids. I have some of the best youth workers, some of whom are Muslim, and they work with all young people regardless of their backgrounds. We must embrace our common humanity and as a united community, shout down the evil done around the world from extremists.

Father Chris Riley

Founder of Youth Off The Streets

Back in June I visited Tamworth with my carer, as planned I popped upstairs at Centrepoint to have a look around. I'd been curious as to what was located on the 1st floor. I appreciated the service from staff at Level Up and Forum 6, I'd been a bit full from the 2 delicious meals I'd had so I went upstairs just to ask for a drink of water, where I was allowed to chill out and listen to music. I chatted with a couple of staff at level up, I was quite amazed how modern the facilities were at Forum 6. That was a pretty fun 3 days.

Brodie Rafferty

Port Macquarie

The proposal to change to four-year terms for House of Representatives elections would create enormous constitutional difficulties with serious amendments that would need to be made.  

It would also mean 8 year terms for the Senate, otherwise elections would be totally out of sync.

Under fixed terms there would be no place for the double dissolution process and therefore no place to resolve disputes between the House of Representatives and the Senate which both Labor and Coalition governments have used seven times since Federation. 

Both of the above are, of course, on the premise that the proposal is also not to abolish the Senate. Whatever the case, given the number of complicated and far-reaching amendments that would need to be put to the people, the likelihood is that this proposal would never pass a referendum.

Philip Benwell

National Chair

Australian Monarchist League