Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about my honour in meeting the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi. Yesterday I was honoured to speak with PM Modi at a bilateral meeting with the Leader of the Opposition at Admiralty House in Sydney. I had the pleasure of talking to PM Modi about various issues, including my January trip to Gujarat with the BAPS, where they celebrated the Swaminarayan centenary celebrations, and also the warmth of the Australian Indian community. Again I think BAPS.

Under the previous coalition government's initiative of the Safer Communities Fund program, Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras and places of worship receive funding security upgrades. I thank PM Modi for visiting Australia and raising the issue of vandalism on places of worship with PM Albanese when he visited India in March. PM Modi spoke fondly of the Indian Australian community and their success in Australia. I was pleasantly surprised with Mr Modi's friendly gesture and warmth; when I asked for selfie, he agreed with big smile. I was also fortunate to attend PM Modi's address to a sold-out rally of members of the Indian diaspora on Tuesday's community reception held in honour of him at Qudos Bank Arena in Western Sydney. It was an absolutely incredible event, and I thank him so much again for his visit to Australia. (Time expired)