Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was honoured to accept an invitation from the Joondalup Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah at a service held at the Currambine Community Centre on Saturday evening. The Baha'i community is an integral part of our society, with its members actively participating in civic activities and volunteering to assist charitable organisations. They are well represented in the professions, business and education sectors. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of members of the Local Spiritual Assembly: Ali Habibi, Shiva Haidary, David Marshall, Mitra Marshall, Nicola Mazandarani, Flora Sharafizad, Kourash Sheikhzadeh, Forouzan Shojaei and Helena Shojaei.

Over the years I have developed a closer working relationship and friendship with many Baha'is as I attended their events and found out more about their philosophy and history, including the challenges they face with persecution in a number of countries around the world. The Australian community is enhanced by the values of peace, tolerance, unity, family and advancement through education, which the Baha'is practise. I wish the Baha'i community all the best on this landmark occasion. I look forward to continuing to represent their interests in parliament.