Michelle Rowland (Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh. It's my pleasure to rise in support of the motion from the member for McEwen. I'm very pleased that this motion has come back to the chamber, which gives me the opportunity to expand on some of my previous comments to the House and extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Australian Sikh community on the momentous occasion of the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak.

Guru Nanak was a leader, teacher and social reformer. Although he may be long gone, his teachings have had an enduring impact on the world, and he was indeed ahead of his time. He taught that the worth of a person was not determined by some innate quality, be that their gender or a social label, like the family into which one was born, but rather the way in which one interacted with one's neighbours and the world. Guru Nanak maintained, 'He who regards all men as equals is religious.' He rejected the caste system as antiquated and ridiculous, often resulting in strong criticism from many of his contemporaries. His recognition of the role of women in society and teachings about the equality of the sexes is an enduring legacy of the Guru's time on this earth. The Guru's emphasis on love and respect are everlasting, and, particularly during what can often feel like an increasingly divisive time in which to live, these lessons are as relevant as the day he taught them.

I had the wonderful opportunity and the great honour to celebrate this anniversary in Sydney and in my local community with so many Australian Sikhs from all walks of life. For example, Sikh Youth Australia hosted celebrations in Pyrmont which were a beautiful reminder of the way in which the Guru's teachings helped inspire and energise Sikhs hundreds of years after his birth. I acknowledge the member for Werriwa in the chamber: there were tremendous celebrations with the Sikh community in her electorate in south-west Sydney too, as well as right across west and north-west Sydney and, indeed, right across Australia.

Sikhism in Australia is continuing to grow. It's only fitting that this place should acknowledge the values of a religion that fits so well within both the Australian narrative and the Australian identity. Selflessness and social justice are quintessential Australian values. Lending a hand to those in need is something that Australians will always continue to do. We've seen that recently, with the terrible bushfires that have caused so much devastation: ordinary people doing extraordinary things. On that note, we saw the selflessness and community-mindedness of Sydney Sikhs when members of the Guru Nanak Gurudwara in Turramurra delivered food to volunteers from the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Support Rural Fire Brigade. The Guru would be so proud of your dedication to community. I want to acknowledge those Sydney Sikhs and also our many firefighters who have truly gone above and beyond to keep us safe in weeks.

As the federal member for Greenway, I have the privilege of representing a vibrant and welcoming Sikh community in north-west Sydney. Having worked closely with the community over many years, I say with all sincerity how grateful I am for your passionate advocacy and commitment to improving both our local community and this country.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 19 : 01 to 19 : 18

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