Thursday, 20 November 2025

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (09:51): Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Islamic Council of Victoria’s 2025 gala dinner. It was a significant milestone for the organisation, which has represented Victoria’s Muslim community for half a century. It was a pleasure to also be joined by a strong contingent of government MPs, including my good friend Mr Lee Tarlamis, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt and also the member for Broadmeadows in the other place, as well as the shadow minister Mr Evan Mulholland in this chamber. For 50 years the Islamic Council of Victoria has provided a consistent voice on issues affecting Muslim Victorians, from community engagement and social services to calling out racism and Islamophobia. On the night I also had the honour of officially launching the Council’s reconciliation action plan, a practical commitment to truth-telling and respectful partnership with First Nations people in our state. Since 2014 our government has partnered with the ICV on a number of initiatives, including open mosque days, anti-Islamophobia programs and infrastructure improvements to strengthen community facilities. I want to take this opportunity to also acknowledge and thank president Dr Mohideen and the CEO Mr Wahid for their contributions and the many people that have volunteered at this organisation for half a century. Congratulations to the Islamic Council of Victoria on 50 years.