I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.
I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
And I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with us here this evening.
It is a privilege to represent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government here tonight.
The Prime Minister extends his best wishes as you celebrate the Deepavali festival.
I would like to acknowledge Prakash Mehta, National President of the Hindu Council of Australia.
Santosh Gupta, Chair of the ACT Chapter of the Hindu Council of Australia.
High Commissioner of India, Manpreet Vohra.
The Honourable Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia.
The Honourable Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition.
Dr Andrew Charlton, the Member for Parramatta and Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India.
Mr Julian Leeser, Member for Berowra, and a past Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India.
And the Honourable Jason Wood, the Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Services and Migrant Services.
This building is home to many traditions.
It draws people from across our country.
From across the world.
Every person that comes here brings with them something.
Some bring ideas.
Others bring information.
Those of you that have come here for Deepavali have brought with you something very special.
You have brought light.
That is cause for celebration.
Since 2004, we have celebrated Deepavali in this building.
Celebrating the festival.
And celebrating the lights.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a thriving and active community like yours in Australia.
It is yet another reminder of the rich multiculturalism of our nation.
Of the many and diverse people that have come to Australia.
Seeking to work hard and to get ahead.
The new government will help make this happen.
Multiculturalism has brought many things to Australia.
People. Culture.
Celebrations like these.
As the Prime Minister has said, multiculturalism has helped us mature as a nation.
Proud of our difference.
Untied by our support of diversity.
“Cultural diversity and respect,” the Prime Minister once said, “can lead to a more peaceful, equitable and fulfilling life for all.”
This event is proof.
All of us here tonight, whatever our faith, will leave this event with a greater sense of fulfilment.
And a better sense of what it means to be Australian.
By learning more about our world, we better understand our place in it.
The Australian government will not simply maintain our multiculturalism.
We will grow it.
We have increased the number of permanent migration visas by 35,000.
This will help grow our economy and our society.
We have also provided an additional $36.1 million for visa processing.
500 surge staff will help clear the backlog.
The last couple of years have denied Australia the cultural enrichment that come with migration.
What has for decades been a fundamental source of our national pride.
A comprehensive review of Australia’s migration system will report by the end of February 2023.
It will help guide future reform, focusing on productivity and unlocking the potential for all migrants.
As Minister Giles said: “The Albanese government is committed to re-establishing immigration as a nation-building function of government.”
“In order to realise our full potential as a reconciled nation that harnesses its diversity.”
The world, we all know, is facing troubling times.
The shadow cast by the pandemic still lingers.
Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine goes on.
Economic challenges are widespread.
It can at times feel like darkness is advancing.
We must never take the light for granted.
Indeed, we should celebrate it.
Whatever their faith, Australians can take inspiration from Deepavali.
Of the reminder that light will prevail.
It is devastating to think that the darkness of racism remains in our society.
Racism is never acceptable and the Australian government is taking action to eliminate it.
We have committed $7.5 million over four years to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The funding will be used to develop a national strategy to tackle racism and promote equality in Australia.
This will enable the Commission to develop and deliver a national anti-racism framework.
It should not matter where the place of birth on your passport reads.
What religious readings you may have on your shelves.
Or the numbers in your bank account.
If you are in Australia, you should never experience any form of racism.
It is why your government is committed to delivering Anti-Discrimination legislation.
I would like to congratulate the Hindu Council of Australia for today’s events.
And for 24 years of successful advocacy and education.
684,000 Australians identify as Hindu.
Just five years ago, there were less than 500,000.
This growing community has been well served by your tireless efforts.
The deep connections within your community are demonstrated by the range of community organisations represented this evening.
It is fitting that you celebrate here at the home of our national democracy.
We welcome you here and your celebration.
The electorate I represent, Perth, has a small Hindu community.
Yet the City shares your affinity with lights.
The City of Perth has many nicknames.
Among its proudest is the City of Light.
Like your community, we celebrate the importance of lights and cherish its meaning.
In this building colour is usually used to divide.
Senators are to stay on the red side.
Members on the green side.
It has been a pleasure this evening to see colours being used instead, to bring people together.
Across the globe, in many different places, more than a billion people will celebrate Deepavali.
They will celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
Of knowledge over ignorance.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, I thank you all for bringing this celebration to us.