Photo: SAT/Neeraj Nanda
By our community reporter
Melbourne: It was a glittering gathering of more than 250 Indian business people and community leaders who united to raise $ 20,000 for the ALP’s election fund for the 2014 Victorian elections. In the presence of about 12 State and two Federal MPs and business persons indicated the political direction the Indian/South Asian community was taking for the upcoming elections.
The Leader of Opposition, Mr. Daniel Andrews, who is expected to be the next Premier of Victoria, was there to see the big support from the leaders of Indian businesses. The auction of memorabilia, books and other stuff ensured a lively collection of funds.
Mr. John Pandazopoulos, MP Dandenong was the MC who introduced the event and 30 businesses who were awarded for their services. He said the Labour party stood for equal opportunity for all and multiculturalism. He criticised the Abbott government for abolishing the Multicultural Ministry.
Leader of Opposition, Mr. Daniel Andrews thanked the Indian community for contributing to the diversity and viable business in Victoria. Touching the issue if foreign students, he said, we had problems. Issues of poor treatment of international students were not handled as they should have been. We now have to look into the future. We now want it to grow and make it stronger, he said.
Daniel flayed the proposed East-West tunnel plan and said Labour will soon announce a comprehensive alternative to the tunnel plan. We will stand up for debate on transport, health and job creation.
Addressing the event Councillor Intaj Khan, said the commitment of the Labour Party to the Indian/South Asian community was quite strong. Others who addressed the event included Mr. Mr.Luckee Kohli, Mr.Rizwan Ahmed, and Mr.Alex Singh.
There was a nice segment of Bollywood dances. The crowd also included Bollywood actress Rajlaxmi Roy, Cricketer Fawad Ahmed, former AFL player Paul Salmon.
The evening ended with lots of networking and renewed support for the ALP in Victoria.
– SAT News Service
