MELBOURNE, 13 November, 2024: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Victorian Legislative Council, Evan Mulholland, addressing a multicultural media interaction, spoke on religious communities joining the call on the Allan Labor Government to retain the Lord’s Prayer in the Victorian Parliament. Later, Leader of opposition John Pesutto, explained the idea of the ‘Lord’s Prayer’.
The letter in possession of SAT dated 20 May 2024 is signed by the Most Reverend Peter A Comensoli, Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne; The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne; Sheikh Muhammad Nawas Saleem, Secretary of the Board of Imams Victoria; Shri Makarand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia (VIC); and Rabbi Ralph Genende OAM, Director Jewish Life at Jewish Care, Interfaith and Community Liaison at Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), Rabbi at Kesher Community.
It says, “The leaders urged members to recognise the valuable role of prayer in Parliament and ensure its practice continues to play an integral part of our democratic tradition.”
Enquiries by the South Asia Times (SAT) from Labor sources reveal at present there is no plan before the Parliament to discontinue the ‘Lord’s Prayer’.
To SAT’s query, the reply at the media conference was of a petition in this regard after religious communities had written a letter to Parliamentarians about the issue. A glance at the petition (Legislative Council petition #557/presented 19 June 2024) information reveals it was sponsored by Evan Mulholland himself. It had 10,912 signatures for retaining the reading of the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ at the commencement of proceedings of the Victorian Legislative Council (Upper House) and that it was in response to a joint letter to members of Parliament from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, Board of Imams Victoria, Hindu Council of Australia, Victoria and the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council who minister and care for more than two million Victorians in our communities.
“Any move to secularise parliamentary proceedings would send a clear message from the Parliament that faith has no place in Victoria”, the petition said.
In his response to the petition dated 31 July, 2024, Jaclyn Symes MP, Attorney General referred to the House standing orders that govern the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ and said it needs the Minister’s response. And, gave the response that ” The Victorian Government recognises the value and meaning of prayer for many across our multifaith communities. In May 2024, with the support of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, we proudly hosted several of Victoria’s faith leaders to come together for a Multifaith Service at Parliament House. The Service provided an important opportunity to share prayers for unity, cohesion, and peace.
Our government also acknowledges that Victoria is an increasingly diverse state, with many in our communities identifying as having no religion. The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring Victorians can practice, share and celebrate their unique cultures and faiths. Through the 2024-25 State Budget, we have committed over $100 million in initiatives to support our multicultural and multifaith communities, including $6 million for security upgrades at faith-based schools, and $4 million to deliver anti-discrimination measures.”
PETITION DETAILS – https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/parliamentary-activity/tabled-petitions-search/tabled-petitions-details/8286
The media interaction organised by the Victorian Liberals took place at the Parliament House, and was attended by many representatives of Melbourne-based ethnic media (multicultural media) outlets, focussed on developing processes for government to better deliver services across Victoria’s diverse communities, as well as building stronger inter-cultural ties.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment, David Southwick, spoke on the importance of developing trade and commerce connections not only with other nations, but also preexisting communities within Victoria.
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, spoke on strengthening and improving access to community health initiatives and services.
Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, John Pesutto, said: “Every decision we make must be through the lens of multiculturalism. This is why when I became Leader of the Opposition, I endeavoured to also take on the portfolio of Multicultural Affairs.
“As I travel around Victoria, meeting new people and welcoming our newest citizens at ceremonies, I am proud to see firsthand how multiculturalism has shaped our state, and will continue to recognise the importance of this in every decision I make.”
