Craig Laundy (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Earlier this week I was delighted to attend a magnificent Diwali event here in Parliament House. This Indian festival of lights is the most celebrated festival of the people from the Indian sub-continent and across the whole world. Diwali means rows of lights. It is the festival symbolising victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. This event in Parliament House was one of many across the country organised by the Hindu Council of Australia.

The Hindu Council of Australia is a national body representing over 300,000 Australian Hindus. It is based in my electorate of Reid and has been celebrating the festival of lights for the past 15 years on a large scale throughout Australia. The Hindu Council does amazing work in our community. Their mission is to work for a strong, cohesive and active Hindu community in Australia—aiming to live in harmony with other religious and cultural communities. Members of the council are also committed to preserving, promoting and sharing Hindu faith, culture and traditions with other members of the community. I can advise all members here that the Hindu Council successfully achieve their mission and so much more.

To the Hindu Council President, Professor Agar, all of the executive members of his committee, the organisers of this event and all my Indian friends throughout the community of Reid, I say thank you for organising another great series of Diwali events and celebrations, and for continuing to make such a magnificent contribution to our community.