Premier Hosts Inter Faith Dinner For Ramadan

08 August 2011

The Premier Barry O’Farrell addresses the interfaith dinner for Ramadan.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has joined religious and community leaders from across the State to mark the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.

Mr O’Farrell has hosted an Iftar meal at State Parliament at the end of today’s dawn to sunset fast.

Mr O’Farrell was joined by the Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello and a number of other MPs.

“For more than 160,000 people in New South Wales this is a challenging period that brings its own rewards,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“This Iftar meal sends a strong message about the goodwill and respect between people of Islamic faith and those in non-Muslim communities.

“I also take this opportunity to publicly thank leaders of the Muslim community for their recent support as the NSW Government worked towards new laws regulating face coverings where the police need to identify a person.

“There should be no discrimination – in favour or against any race – and I have every respect for those communities and individuals practising their religious beliefs.

“We faced the challenge and found the right solution that protects the harmony of our diverse society.

“Events such as tonight are a demonstration that we are committed to continually strengthening our multicultural society” Mr O’Farrell said.