“A local Hindu temple was robbed in broad daylight, with bystanders seemingly frozen, possibly fearing the thieves were armed. Our places of worship must be protected.”

SSDPSF described the remarks as “deeply disrespectful, divisive, and contrary to Fiji’s foundational values of racial and religious harmony”.

Hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG), the event brought together senior leaders from Victoria’s faith communities to reflect on ways to build a more harmonious and inclusive Victoria.

Your faith, resilience and cultural wisdom enrich our institution. May your homes be filled with joy, and may your light continue to guide us.”

The festivities were graced by Senator Paul Scarr, MPs Margie Nightingale and Julie-Ann Campbell, representing the Prime Minister’s Office, as well as local area councillors and a large gathering of the Indian community and friends of India.

SB 509 aimed to train officers to recognise and respond to so-called transnational repression — defined as harassment, intimidation, or violence directed by foreign governments against individuals abroad.

“May the lights of Deepavali fill your homes with joy, your hearts with hope, and your lives with peace and prosperity. Shubh Diwali.”

“We live in the best country on earth. People of all faiths — Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist — live side by side. We just need to respect each other and turn down the temperature,” he said, adding that diversity remains Australia’s greatest strength."

India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, performed aarti at the temple and offered prayers for peace and global harmony.

“More importantly, Sewa Diwali is a platform where Australians of all backgrounds can come together in harmony to serve the nation we live in, Australia.”