Wednesday, 15 November 2023

Ministers statements: Indian community

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:42): I would like to wish every Victorian that has been celebrating Diwali over the past week a very happy, healthy and light-filled Diwali. Celebrations like this reflect the true diversity of our state; it is really when that diversity shines through. It is a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, hope over fear, good over evil. There is a whole range of different communities: the Indian, Sri Lankan, Bengali, Nepalese, Singaporean, Bhutanese, Malaysian or Fijian–Indian communities. One of the terrific things about Diwali of course is that these communities also reach out and welcome the broader community to be involved in the celebration, and that is what Victoria and Melbourne are all about. We embrace our multicultural traditions and diversity, and I am certainly proud that we are a state that embraces and harnesses the life experiences of communities and what they bring to us here in Victoria.

Indeed I had that personal experience myself last Friday when along with our fabulous member for Cranbourne I attended a chai and chat. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful women I met there last Friday afternoon, particularly the Indian women who joined us who were also on their way to Diwali celebrations; I shared a chai and personally wished them a very happy Diwali. Additionally, along with the member for Cranbourne and indeed many other members of this place, I had the pleasure of hosting the second Premier’s state Diwali reception last Friday night. It was bigger and better than the year before, and it was a great pleasure to share that celebration with the rich and diverse Victorian communities who celebrate Diwali. People from every corner of the globe have chosen Melbourne and Victoria as their home because they know here they can practise their faith and they can celebrate their culture with the rest of the community.

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, constituency question 312 on elder abuse to the Minister for Ageing is a significant issue. I think I have raised this point of order maybe four or five times now. It is well overdue, and I would appreciate a response for my community. Constituency question 340 to the Minister for Public and Active Transport on the failed bike cages at the Lilydale train station: I would appreciate a response. That one is also overdue.