Hindu Council of Australia has made representations to both major political parties about the concerns of Hindus. We have expressed following concerns : 1. The bill will reduce freedom of religion for Hindus working in non-Hindu faith based organizations. 2. The bill will encourage conversions of members of non-proselytizing religions like Hindus, 3. The bill will […]
Hindus excellence in SRE being recognized on 9th Nov – Join the Premier and others to celebrate
October 30, 2021 by ·
By: Surinder Jain, Hindu Council of Australia. Hindus in NSW have been very active in providing Hindu spiritual education to Hindu children in NSW schools. Five Hindu organizations provide volunteers who go to schools and teach. Other religions are also providing spiritual education to school children of their respective faiths. Selfless volunteer service being provided […]
Parents to be classified as ‘immediate family’ for travel to Australia
October 23, 2021 by ·
By: Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia. Thankyou Minister Alex Hawke for making it easy for Hindus and others to get their parents to Australia. Hindu Council has been making many representations to the Australian immigration office and to Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to make it easy to bring parents to Australia. We have counted […]
Hindu Council supports the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW).
October 23, 2021 by ·
Modern slavery act was passed by NSW Parliament and is awaiting proclamation. The act is meant to stop slavery used in Australian supply chains. ‘The NSW Act requires all businesses with an annual turnover of more than $50 million to report on the risk of modern slavery occurring in their supply chains. In addition, […]
Hindu Genocide in Bangladesh by Jihadi’s continues
October 18, 2021 by ·
You may have been aware that there have been vicious attacks on the minority Hindu Community. As we understand it, there were attacks and vandalism across the country, during the Durga Puja festival, in the last week or so. Severely impacted districts include Comilla, Chandpur, Noakhali, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Feni. Temple and deities vandalized; property looted; some […]
HAF asks Office of Civil Rights to investigate Univ. of Pennsylvania’s role in Hinduphobic conference
October 11, 2021 by ·
Sponsoring Dismantling Global Hindutva event may have violated Hindu students’ rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 In a historic first for the Hindu American community, the Hindu American Foundation filed a Title VI complaint with the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights against the University of Pennsylvania for […]
Funding available to charities for Job Saver and Business grant programs
October 1, 2021 by ·
By: Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia. Hindu Council of Australia along with other faith communities has been speaking to the Treasurer regarding making Covid funding available to faith communities for Job Saver and Business grant programmes. The treasurer has announced today that the COVID-19 JobSaver Payment expansion and extension would support eligible registered charities working in the […]
HCA Victoria Media Statement on Swastika
September 24, 2021 by ·
By: Makarand Bhagwat, Hindu Council of Australia.
No to Vaccination passport for entry to a temple
September 15, 2021 by ·
By: Hindu Council of Australia. Temples should not be required to police their congregation for vaccination certificates. That is a job for the Police. Religious services should not be selective on whom they can serve. Police should not stand outside places of worship to check vaccination certificates as much as it does not do that […]
Renewable Energy in India and Australia
September 8, 2021 by ·
India is world’s 3rd largest consumer of electricity and world’s 3rd largest renewable energy producer with 38% (136 GW out of 373 GW) of total installed energy capacity in 2020 from renewable sources. On a per capita basis, India’s energy use and emissions are less than half the world average. International Solar Alliance (ISA), an alliance […]
Ambulance fee exemption for COVID
September 2, 2021 by ·
COVID-19 Exemptions Any patient who receives an invoice from NSW Ambulance and their reason for treatment and/or transport is related to COVID-19, will be exempt from paying the invoice. The same applies for patients who have had an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. Patients who receive an invoice can contact NSW Ambulance on 1300 […]
MESSAGE FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE – MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION
August 13, 2021 by ·
THE HON ALEX HAWKE MP MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS MESSAGE FOR INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY 2021 I send my warmest wishes to members of the Indian-Australian community celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence. As democratic nations, our close friendship and partnership is bound by our shared liberal democratic values of respect […]
INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY 2021 – Australian Prime Minister
August 13, 2021 by ·
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY 2021 I send my warmest greetings to the people of India, and their friends and family in Australia, on the occasion of the 74th anniversary of Indian independence. In 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru described India’s independence as the continuation of an ‘unending quest’ — for the peace and […]
COVID-19 check-in card by Service NSW
August 12, 2021 by ·
By:Rachna Soni, Multicultural Community Liaison Officer, Parramatta Police Area Command For members of the public who do not have a smart phone to scan in at businesses QR code. Currently people without a phone to scan the QR code at businesses are to manually write the details in a register at the business. The business […]
Hindu priests can go perform tervi (13th day memorial) at clients home in NSW during lockdown
July 31, 2021 by ·
I was approached by a number of Hindu priests enquiring if they can go to a clients home to perform puja and other rituals after a death in the family. I have sought clarifications from the health department and they have said that a priest can go to provide funeral and memorial service. Performances of […]
Grants of between $5,000 and $12,000 to help temples buy solar panels, storage batteries, LED lighting and new air conditioners
July 15, 2021 by ·
A message from federal MP David Smith. Please use this grant to improve energy efficiency of your temple. The grant closes this Sunday. Surinder Jain. By: David Smith MP. I am writing to remind you that the expressions of interest closing date for the 2021 Powering Communities Program is this Sunday 18 July at 11:59pm […]
Dr Fiona Martin’s Office – Funding for Hindu Based Schools
June 25, 2021 by ·
By: Surinder Jain. MP Dr Fiona Martin, on behalf of Hindu Council’s representation, has approached The Education Minister for funding Hindu Schools in NSW. Her letter to the MInister and the Minister’s response are enclosed below. Letter to Surrinder Jain
Australian Hindus saved from Greens parties attack
May 13, 2021 by ·
Hindu SRE under attack from Greens political party Hindu Council of Australia defends its member VHP Australia Inc. from an unprovoked and unnecessary attack from the Greens party in NSW upper house. What is SRE The state of NSW in Australia permits religious organisations to register with the department of education and teach their religion […]
NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay MP’s Private Members Statement regarding the current India travel ban
May 12, 2021 by ·
By: Jodi McKay, MP, NSW LABOR LEADER There are 173 Australian children stranded in India without their parents. Australian citizens have been told they face fines of up to $66,000 and five years in prison if they attempt to return home. No such bans were ever introduced when Australians returned from the USA and UK […]
LABOR MOTION CALLS FOR MORE HELP TO AUSSIES IN INDIA
May 12, 2021 by ·
MEDIA RELEASE BY LABOR SENATOR KRISTINA KENEALLY DEPUTY LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE SHADOW MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES MICHELLE ROWLAND MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS MEMBER FOR GREENWAY LABOR MOTION CALLING FOR MORE HELP TO AUSSIES IN INDIA PASSES SENATE A Labor motion calling for greater help to stranded […]
VHP SANSKRIT SCHOOL – Dr GEOFF LEE
May 11, 2021 by ·
Dr GEOFF LEE (Parramatta—Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, and Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans) (15:29): I recognise the great work of the VHP Sanskrit School in New South Wales. Today New South Wales has a robust Hindu community. According to the 2016 census 189,400 people in New South Wales identified as Hindu. […]
Minister Alex Hawke’s message to the Indian community
May 7, 2021 by ·
A message from the Hon Alex Hawke MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs. I want to personally thank you on behalf of the Government for your frank feedback and support for India at this difficult time. I have provided this feedback directly to the Prime Minister and the National Security […]
Labor’s Daniel Mookhey opposes Greens vilification of Hindus in NSW Upper House
May 7, 2021 by ·
You may be aware that a Greens party member of NSW Parliament had recently accused VHP, a Hindu not-for-profit organization of being an extremist organization. Mr Shoebridge’s allegation has been denied by the Police and VHPs work in teaching Hinduism at schools has been appreciated by the Department of Education, by the NSW Minister of […]
Mark Latham calls out Greens parties vilifications of Hindus in Australia
May 7, 2021 by ·
A Greens party member of NSW Parliament had recently accused VHP, a Hindu not-for-profit organization of being an extremist organization. Mr Shoebridge’s allegation has been denied by the Police and VHPs work in teaching Hinduism at schools has been appreciated by the Department of Education, by the NSW Minister of Multiculturalism and by MP Mark […]
Repeal the draconian criminal conviction and fine for Australian Citizens
May 4, 2021 by ·
Media Release – Repeal draconian criminal law for returning Australians from India
Shoebridge’s Hinduphobia exposed as hollow lies and false propaganda
March 24, 2021 by ·
By: Hindu SRE Providers. A NSW Member of Parliament has made a baseless claim that Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is a terrorist organization in NSW. The Hindu community is deeply hurt and offended by this spurious allegation. We wish to inform and assure you that the NSW Police have refuted the allegation and affirmed that […]
The Hon Ros Spence, Minister of Multicultarism, Victoria
December 27, 2020 by ·
MIC0417-Letter-to-the-Hindu-Council-of-Victoria-CBM-141469
Lobbying to ease Covid restrictions for Temples
December 1, 2020 by ·
By: Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia has been working with other faith organizations to ask NSW government to ease restrictions on religious activities in the state in line with health safety and inline with special permissions that have been granted to sports and other activities. A multi faith group has made representations to the […]
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association in Granville
October 15, 2020 by ·
By: Gurpreet Kaur. My name is Gurpreet Kaur and I am one of the community connector project officers in Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association in Granville. In this project I am reaching out to Indian Community to raise awareness regarding the NDIS. I tried calling you on your number but I couldn’t reach you so I […]
Stop this bill – It discriminates against our religions
August 12, 2020 by ·
One Nation NSW MLC Mark Latham has introduced a bill in NSW Parliament which will actively discriminate against new and minority religions. A Parliament committee is asking for people of faith from multicultural communities to fill out a survey indicating their position on this Bill. Hindu Council urges you to ask all members of your faith […]
Hindu phobic USCIRF, Breaking India Forces
May 10, 2020 by ·
By: Shashi Holla, Perth, Western Australia. No government after independence was so bold, decisive and out of the box in their approach when the Indian government cleared a bill on revolutionary CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) with a majority vote in December 2019. An amendment to the citizenship Act of 1955 was sailed through in the […]
Covid-19 support for our community
March 23, 2020 by ·
Karma Kitchen and Hindu Benevolent Fund are two projects of Hindu Council of Australia that have come forward to help and support the community during this unprecedented crisis and lockdown. Karma kitchen is an initiative that provides fresh food to people facing crisis. It has been providing free food every Saturday in Parramatta, NSW. Hindu […]
Minister offers help to bushfire victims facing visa issues
February 9, 2020 by ·
If any one in our community is facing a visa or immigration related issue due to bush fires, please contact Hindu Council at http://hinducouncil.com.au/new/contact-us/ so that we can help you tide over your difficulties.
Is your temple facing difficulties for getting visa for priests and saints
September 14, 2019 by ·
Hindu Council of Australia has made representations to the Immigration office to make religious visa more in line with our community needs. We have also formed a Peer to Peer support group which consists of temple representatives who have had some experience in obtaining religious visa for their own temples. These members are available for […]
Labor frontbencher says party must engage with religious voters
September 9, 2019 by ·
By: Judith Ireland, Sydney Morning Herald. Labor frontbencher Michelle Rowland concedes her party “didn’t get it right” with religious voters at the recent federal election and the ALP’s plans to increase access to abortion caused “genuine anxiety” for some people of faith. As Parliament prepares to consider the Morrison government’s religious discrimination laws, Labor’s communications […]
Religious schools should be required to enrol a mix of religions: Hindu Council
September 4, 2019 by ·
By Judith Ireland September 4, 2019 — 3.52pm Religious schools should be required to admit a certain percentage of teachers and students from other religions so children can learn about other faiths, the peak body representing Hindus has told the Morrison government.
Immigration Minister eases pain of Religious Visas
July 12, 2019 by ·
By: Surinder Jain. Hindu Council had approached the immigration minister Mr David Coleman to help solve the problems faced by Hindu temples in obtaining visas for priests and religious workers. The Minister along with Commissioner Ms Lesley Dalton, Community Liaison officers Ms Gillian Craven, Ms Laura Beylerian arranged for Hindu temple representatives to discuss their […]
A Taxation system developed by Chanakya two thousands years ago
July 12, 2019 by ·
By: *Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani* Patron-in-chief, Pakistan Hindu Council Convener, Pakistan India Parliamentary Friendship Group Governments should collect taxes like a honeybee, which sucks just the right amount of honey from the flower without causing any harm.”* ~Chanakya
Leader of opposition thanks Hindu Council
July 8, 2019 by ·
By: Prakash Mehta, National President, Hindu Council of Australia. Hindu Council congratulated the new leader of Opposition, Ms Jodie McKay. Dear Prakash Thank you for your kind email of support and encouragement. Now that the ballot is over, I am committed to working with my united Labor team to ensure that Labor […]
Pak Hindus and Religious Freedom discussed at APRO
April 17, 2019 by ·
By: Surinder Jain, Hindu Council of Australia. A meeting of APRO (Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations) was held on 15th April. APRO is a national level Interfaith body. They aim to develop contacts with important institutions so that religious organizations can have a say in policy making. I raised the issue of attack on Hindu […]
Australia plans to reduce the Migration Program ceiling by 15 per cent
March 28, 2019 by ·
Hindus are the fastest growing religion in Australia mainly due to migration of IT and other skilled experts. Now Australia plans to reduce its migration program. A statement by The Hon David Coleman MP MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS 21 March 2019 Good afternoon, I’m writing to you to update you on the […]
ANZAC Jawan Memorial Service to be held on 13th April
March 20, 2019 by ·
By: Ashwani Jain. A team of Hindu Council of Australia consisting of State President Jay Raman, State Secretary Ashwani Jain and Director Ashwani Sharma along with Parveen Gupta met Hornsby Council Mayor Hon Philip Ruddock today. Click to Register From left to Right : Ashwani Sharma Director, Hornsby Council Mayor Hon Philip Ruddock, Jay Raman […]
Before you cast your vote in NSW this weekend meet some of the Indian candidates
March 18, 2019 by ·
Before you cast your democratic right to choose next government of NSW, we would like to introduce to you, candidates of Indian background who have in the past supported Hindu cause. We had asked both major parties to send us list of candidates of Indian origin giving their name, seat and a message for the […]
Hindu Council submission on treatment of Hindu students in Catholic schools
March 9, 2019 by ·
Hindu Council of Australia has made a submission to Western Australian Education Minister MLC Sue Ellery on their concerns about treatment of Hindu students in a Catholic school in Perth. The submission suggests transparency in school policies, restriction on interpreting other faiths, interfaith forums to communicate with each other and a law to provide religious […]
Australian New Zealand MPs condemn Pulwama terror attack
February 27, 2019 by ·
Mr Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, NSW, Liberal Party of Australia said today that “Today I spoke in Parliament to condemn the appalling terrorist attack that was carried out in India on Valentine’s Day by Jaish-e-Mohammed. Australians stood and marched with India since the earliest days of World War 1. We continue to […]
Holi message from Opposition leader Bill Shorten
February 23, 2019 by ·
THE HON BILL SHORTEN MP LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS MEMBER FOR MARIBYRNONG HOLI FESTIVAL MESSAGE 2019 It gives me great pleasure to send my well wishes to the Australian Hindu Community and everyone taking part in Holi celebrations around the country. Holi, also known […]
Australian Prime Minister – Holi message
February 23, 2019 by ·
The Hon. Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister HOLI 2019 For centuries, the ancient festival of Holi has celebrated the arrival of spring and the promise of renewal and rebirth. Though it is not spring in Australia, today Holi’s significance is broader: bringing people of all cultural backgrounds, and all walks of life, together in […]
Hindus lobby for Religious Freedom in Australia
January 30, 2019 by ·
By : Surinder Jain. Hindus represented by Hindu Council of Australia along with representatives of Anglican, Catholic, Islamic and Buddhist faiths are meeting various federal MPs and impressing upon them to protect religious freedom and not to pass a law that can suppress religious freedom as an unintended consequence of anti-discrimination. The main points being […]
Australia Day celebrated
January 26, 2019 by ·
By: Surinder Jain. Both, India the land of Janma Bhumi of Hindus and Australia the karma bhumi of Australian Hindus, share 26th January as a very special day. India became a republic with its own constitution on 26th January. 26th January also marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British […]
Hindu/Cultural schools should avail $100 Creative Kids program
January 26, 2019 by ·
Are you running a school or an organization in the state of NSW that is teaching Hindu languages, Hindu drama, Hindu arts etc to children. If you are, then state government may subsidize fees paid by your students. Find out more on how to register your school to avail of this $100 for each of […]
Multicultural NSW is now recruiting experienced telephone interpreters Australia-wide
January 25, 2019 by ·
Multicultural NSW is currently seeking expressions of interest from highly motivated and experienced Telephone Interpreters from all over Australia in all languages for our new telephone interpreting service.
PM ScoMo fights for religious freedom despite the opposition
January 15, 2019 by ·
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Attorney-General Christian Porter have released the Ruddock Religious Freedom Review and the government’s response. Although the Ruddock panel said that Australia does not need a religious freedom commissioner, the Prime Minister has announced his intention to do so. The response also addresses issues like, when can a parent take their […]
Religious freedom collides with anti-discrimination laws in Australia
January 12, 2019 by ·
By: Surinder Jain. Religious freedom is fundamental to Australian identity said the Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison. And Australians voted in favor of anti-discrimination laws to protect the rights of LGBT only recently. One would think that both are laudable achievements for Australia, but the future of religious freedom does not look so rosy. A […]
Ageing and Disability Commissioner to be established in NSW
December 20, 2018 by ·
Hindus are most affected due to ageing as existing facilities, historically, have been catering to Australians of white christian background. The establishment of a Commissioner is therefore a good news for ageing Hindus or those suffering from disability. NSW Government announcement about the establishment from 1 July 2019 of an Ageing and Disability Commissioner. The […]
Australian Prime Minister – protection of our religious freedoms is synonymous with our identity
December 13, 2018 by ·
The Australian Prime Minister Hon Scott Morrison #ScoMo has a issued a press release vouching for the freedom of religion as essential to Australian identity in a diverse Australian society of today. Hindus applaud his statement and support a multicultural Australia, free of religious hatred and free of terrorism. THE HON SCOTT MORRISON MP […]
Dowry abuse submission by Hindu Council of Australia
October 3, 2018 by ·
On 26 June 2018, the Senate of Australia (Upper house of Parliament) referred the practice of dowry and the incidence of dowry abuse in Australia to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 6 December 2018. The committee’s focus is on the broad issues raised in the terms of reference […]
Religious Leaders Forum of NSW discusses violence against children
October 1, 2018 by ·
By: Vijai Singhal. Religious Leaders Forum I attended the Religious Leaders Forum on behalf of the Hindu Council of Australia on 22nd August, 2018 at the Melkite Catholic Church Schoolin Greenacre, organized by the Multicultural NSW. Before the start of the proceedings the members were given the tour of the school which is providing education […]
Hindus in Victoria advise Premier on Multicultural issues
August 17, 2018 by ·
By: Makrand Bhagwat. Hindu Council of Australia Victoria is a member of the Multifaith Advisory Group under the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) , which advises the Premier and the minister for multicutural affairs on faith related matters in the community. Some of the issues MAG discussed in the recent times were the Voluntary […]
