Andrew Charlton (Parramatta, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last night, we celebrated the 20th Diwali here in Parliament House, and, in the last two decades, the whole of Australia has fallen in love with Diwali. From Darwin to Hobart, people right across Australia celebrate Diwali as one of the most joyous events of the year. The reason for that is that, behind all the colour, movement, lights, food and celebration, Diwali is a recognition of fundamental values—the values of positivity, of unity, of generosity, of success and of coming together as a community. These are the values that have made people who practice the Hindu faith, across Australia and across the world, so successful. They are what has made the Indian diaspora in Australia such an incredibly important part of the Australian community.

Today is a good opportunity to recognise the importance of Diwali in the Australian annual calendar. In fact, I like the suggestion of the Hindu Council to call this month 'Hindu Heritage Month' in recognition of everything that happens in this month across the Hindu calendar, from Navratri to Dashain to Karwa Chauth to Diwali to Lakshmi Puja to Chhath Puja to Durga Puja. All of these celebrations in October give us an opportunity to recognise this month as 'Hindu Heritage Month'.

I want to thank the Hindu Council for everything they've done to promote the values of Diwali right across Australia—in particular Sai Paravastu, who's here today in the chamber, as well as Surinder, Rakesh, Marali, Shanti and Neelima. I appreciate everything you have done on behalf of the Hindu community to make the Hindu community one of the most successful waves of migration in Australia's history and a community that delivers so much to the Australian community across sport, business, culture, media, health and far beyond.

There's much that we can do in Australia to support the Hindu community and recognise everything that it contributes to the broader Australian community. Not only can we recognise Diwali and Hindu heritage month but we can also support Hindu education right across Australia and make sure that Australia is a nation free of Hinduphobia, where everybody, no matter who they are and where they come from, can practice their faith in peace and harmony. Hindu heritage month is an occasion for us to reflect on the values that the Hindu community have brought to Australia and the contribution they've made to our nation, and it should be embraced by all Australians.