By our community reporter
Blackburn, 6th Jan 2010: The State Opposition leader Mr. Ted Baillieu has said that Victoria needs more policing and police persons. He was answering to a question from South Asia Times about the lack of police force in the state in the light of rising street and other crime. Mr. Ted Baillieu was visiting the Blackburn Gurudwara Sahib to pay his respects, and interact with the members of Indian community after the tragic stabbing and death of Nitin Garg in West Footscray.
Mr. Ted Baillieu was welcomed warmly by the Management Commitee and presented with a traditional “Saropa”, and few books on Sikh religion by the Temple Secretary Mr. Paramjit Jaswal. He was taken around the premises, and was shown the Temple Kitchen, Cool Rooms, Library, Punjabi School and other areas of the Temple. The architect Mr. Ted Baillieu was also shown the proposed building plans for an upgraded structure for the Temple.
Subsequently, a large number of people gathered in one of the lecture theatres, and discussed with Mr. Ted Baillieu issues facing the community. Many questions were asked and answered.
Several members of the community expressed concerns for their safety and wondered why the authorities couldn’t be tougher with the criminals.
Safety and security was the main topic dominating the discussions. Many students were also present in the room, and asked many questions to Mr. Ted Baillieu. Mr. Ted Baillieu was informed that there is a general fear amongst the community, and the govt should take steps to ensure that this fear does not exist in the minds of people of Indian community.
Mr. Ted Baillieu assured the gathering that he will do everything possible in his capacity to ensure the Safety and well being of Indian community in Victoria.
The opposition leaders trip to te sikh temple was organised at the initiative of community leaders Mr. Nitin Gupta and Anchal Agarwal. Mr. Nitin Gupta commented “The community has been saddened by the death of Mr. Nitin Garg, and it was important that community members got an oppurtunity to discuss their concerns and issues. “
Later, Mr. Ted Baillieu joined in the “Langar” by sitting on the floor along with other devotees. He particularly enjoyed the Kheer and Raita.
The Temple Management thanked the Opposition leader Mr. Ted Baillieu for visiting the Temple, and requested him to visit again in the future along with his family.
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