Australian Prime Minister visited the Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne to ‘Thank the broader Indian community.’
In a Facebook post, Mr Morrison said that he was thankful to the Indian community for their patience, understanding and generosity.
“Thank you to the Hindu community in Melbourne for your warm welcome this afternoon!
Today I had the opportunity to say thank you to them and the broader Indian community for their patience, understanding and generosity during what has been a very difficult time,” Mr Morrison posted on Facebook.
The Government was facing flak on social media and from the Indian community, particularly for changes to the Biosecurity Act that meant Australians could face up to five years in jail and heavy fines if they flee India to return home. The ban has since been lifted.
Mr Morrison said, “The crisis unfolding in India is heartbreaking. Australia and India are the closest of friends, and we will continue to support them as we work to bring Australians home safely.”
Almost 9,000 Australian citizens and permanent residents are stranded in India due to travel restrictions. Australia has doubled the repatriation flights from 3 to 6 after the travel resumed from India last week.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood, was also with the Prime Minister during his visit to the Hindu temple in Melbourne.
He said, “Great to show PM Scott Morrison Melbourne’s vibrant multicultural community. We visited the largest Hindu temple in Australia, where the PM & I discussed the great support & contribution our diverse communities make to modern Australia!”
Over 250 members of the multicultural community greeted Mr Morrison “with large cheers”, according to Mr Wood.
“The President Rangarajan and the secretary Ratnam spoke about the PMs great support and contribution to the Indian and multicultural communities,” he said in his Facebook post.
Representatives from all the Hindu temples in Victoria, the Sikh temples, Muslim mosques, Indian associations, Sri Lankan associations and leaders from the multicultural community were also present.
NRI Affairs News Desk
Images: facebook.com/scottmorrison4cook
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