Video message for the celebration of Eid al Fitr

Hello,

As you mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al Fitr I, as the Minister for Social Services and on behalf of the Abbott Government would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone Eid Mubarak.

The culmination of a month of fasting, spiritual reflection, togetherness and charity to those in need is a joyous occasion for all Muslim communities, across Australia and abroad.

Celebrating and maintaining one’s cultural and religious heritage is important. In this country freedom of religion is absolutely a constitutional right and it comes with the joy of sharing it with people outside of one’s own community, and helping their understanding to grow.

This willingness to share and understand is one of the cornerstones of the success of our uniquely diverse society. We share 300 different ethnic backgrounds, speak as many languages and are home to many of the world’s faiths — all within a cohesive and prosperous and successful and peaceful society.

This diversity of background and of faith has been one of the building blocks of our society.

The tremendous success of our multicultural multifaith experience means we are well-placed for further growth and prosperity.

In recent decades, too many parts of the world have experienced conflict, struggling with an inability to live cohesively together through understanding and dialogue; I know many of you would have family members living in places such as that. Australia has been blessed by the wisdom and foresight of spiritual leaders, who have long seen that sharing the things that unite us, our unique Australian values, is better than walking the path of conflict.

So I thank you, and all our Australian communities, for your dedication and commitment to the peaceful and harmonious and cohesive future of our nation.

Among the many commendable aspects of our faith communities in Australia, including our Muslim communities is their charity work carried out each and every day.

This empathy towards fellow Australians to those in need, regardless of their faith, regardless of their background, is yet another example of why you remain such a vital part of our successful and diverse community.

I thank you all for your efforts and commitment, and to our Muslim brothers and sisters, as the holy month of Ramadan passes, and as we share in the celebrations of Eid.

Once again, Eid Mubarak.

Thank you.