Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Cities and Urban Infrastructure) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Labor Party I say happy Diwali to everyone around Australia who is celebrating the festival of lights. At Diwali, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists—some of the world's oldest religions—light the diya with family and friends. And importantly, in our great multicultural society, they share its spirit with all of us. The festival of lights is a celebration of life's blessings and the triumph of good over evil. It's also a time to reflect on our responsibilities to help our fellow human beings, particularly those who are doing it tough. There have been some great examples.

I want to acknowledge the inspiring ways so many members of the Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh community in this country have responded to the pandemic, with extraordinary compassion, helping less fortunate members of the community and lighting the darkness that has characterised so much of this most difficult year, from the bushfires to the pandemic. And this year of course Diwali will be different. I know that celebrating at a distance isn't easy, when you want to get together to share the fun. But celebrate we must, because we have so much to celebrate. Happy Diwali, everyone!

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