Northern Metropolitan Region
Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (12:58): (764) Holy Ramadan is upon us, an important time for reflection, family and faith for the many thousands of Muslims that call Victoria home. Before Ramadan, imams and mosque leaders around the state graciously opened their doors for the annual open day to foster dialogue, understanding and a stronger sense of community. I had the absolute pleasure to be hosted by the Albanian Australian Islamic community at their mosque, the oldest in Melbourne, in Carlton North by Imam Perparim Sulaj. This Ramadan, however, is shaded by overseas loss and tragedy, and for so many in the Northern Metropolitan Region it is also a month of grief and grieving. I say we must take some time to wrap ourselves around and support our Muslim brothers and sisters through what is a very, very difficult time. I ask the Minister for Multicultural Affairs: what is the Allan Labor government doing to support the Muslim community experiencing distress in Northern Metropolitan Region?