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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-10-15 Daily Xml
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EID AL-FITR

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (14:46): My question is to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Will the minister inform the council about what the government has done as part of the recent Eid Al-Fitr celebrations?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:47): I thank the honourable member for his question. Members may be aware that in 2008 the Islamic holy month of Ramadan fell in September. Eid Al-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast) marks the end of Ramadan and is the culmination of a month of fasting for Muslims. The South Australian government hosts an Eid Al-Fitr reception each year. I am pleased to say that it has become a tradition in South Australia. This year I was pleased to host the Eid Al-Fitr reception in the Members Dining Room in Parliament House on Friday 3 October.

Ramadan, the most sacred month of the Muslim year, is a time of atonement, and fasting is considered to be the third religious pillar of Islam. During the Eid Al-Fitr reception I noted, and certainly understood, the importance and value of fasting. Both for Muslims and Christians, the values of frugality and spirituality play a central role in these religious traditions and obligations.

Ramadan serves as a reminder that Muslims need to rekindle their faith, and it allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control and sacrifice, and to empathise with those who are less fortunate. In my role as minister assisting in multicultural affairs I see many familiarities in all cultures that make up our multicultural community, and in the traditions and the things that we all hold dear. Some of the core values of Islam are a commitment to family, compassion for the disadvantaged and respect for difference, which are the core values of many peoples.

Muslims in South Australia have a long and proud history. South Australia's Muslim community has evolved over the years to become many communities representing myriad cultures, nationalities, groups and language backgrounds, and it represents an increasingly important part in South Australia's rich tapestry. Multiculturalism in South Australia has broken down barriers and invited people of all backgrounds to engage in the great Australian project of nation building. In a recent household survey conducted by the government, almost nine out of 10 people surveyed believe that cultural diversity is a positive influence in the community.

I have had the opportunity to visit many mosques, and the mosque visits and community consultations have assisted me and the government to better understand the Muslim community and to strengthen ties between the community and the government. Each multicultural community organisation, mosque, club or association is really a cultural ark that values and guards the traditions, language and faith of the people who established it, and their birthplace or heritage.

Almost 200 guests from 70 different community organisations were invited to the reception. On behalf of the government, I wish members of the South Australian Muslim community Eid Mubarak or 'Happy Eid', and peace, health and prosperity in the year ahead. I am sure that members of the chamber share those sentiments.

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