Thank you to ANIC for inviting me to your National Iftar. I’m honoured to join you all.
I’d like to make special note of Minister Ed Husic, Minister Anne Aly and the newly announced Minister Jihad Dib – I’m honoured to join you as you break your fast.
I am proud to lead a Government that includes Australia’s first Muslim ministers, and represents and celebrates the diversity of beliefs and experiences of modern Australia.
I am also proud to lead a government that will give all Australians the chance to vote in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.
It will be unifying moment for our country, and I am deeply appreciative of the very positive and constructive contribution the Australian National Imams Council has made.
In their endorsement they reminded us, and I quote:
“Before 1770, Muslims engaged with the Aboriginal people of this land. They shared resources, engaged in trade and had a respectful relationship.
A relationship of equals.
Those values - respect and fairness – are core values of my government and I know those values are shared by people here tonight.
Events like this one remind us of the value of coming together and taking time to reflect on both the sacrifices in our histories and the possibilities of our shared future.
Our world is so fast-paced, ever in motion. But tonight reminds us of the importance of sharing food, sharing experiences, and spending time with each other – and how this strengthens and nourishes our bonds as people and as a community.
The Muslim community here in Australia makes such an important contributions to the rich fabric of our nation.
From business owners to community leaders, Australia benefits from your creativity, dedication and hard work.
I would also like to applaud the work of the Australian National Imams Council.
You are helping raise new generations of Australian Muslims - showing how the next generations can be proud of their heritage and their faith in such positive ways.
So many Australians can look with pride towards the work you are doing, helping keep culture and faith alive and strong.
We know that there are times when that isn’t an easy task.
I know many in this room have been advocating for better anti-vilification provisions for a long time.
I want to reiterate my Government’s commitment to moving forward with this in this term of Parliament.
Thank you for your hard work on this. We will work alongside you to get this right, and fulfil our commitment to you.
And I am confident Australians will embrace these moves, another source of pride in our inclusive and diverse nation.
Every one of us stands that bit taller, that bit stronger when we're surrounded by our community.
And what is truly admirable is the strength, the cohesion, the warmth and the generosity of Australia's Muslim community - in all its many facets.
Ramadan, and all it brings, underlines all that - and reminds all of Australia that there is so much to appreciate.
You are very much at the heart of the story of this great nation.