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Premier of New South Wales Honourable Mike Baird address Press Conference

The Premier Hon. Mike Baird, MP and Minister Hon. John Ajaka

and Premier Mike Baird hosted a Iftar Dinner 2016 at the Parliament House 
(Coverage by: Syed Zafar Hussain, Editor-in-Chief Sada-e-Watan Sydney)

On Tuesday, 14th June 2016, Premier of New South Wales Honourable Mike Baird MP addresses a Press Conference before the annual Premier’s Iftar at Parliament House. The Premier Hon. Mike Baird and the Minister for Multiculturalism Hon. John Ajaka briefly talk about Government Plan, Budget Grants, Multicultural activities and other NSW political issues.

Host The Premier Hon. Mike Baird

In celebration of Interfaith Harmony, an Iftar Dinner hosted by The Honourable Mike Baird MP Premier of NSW, took place at Parliament House on Tuesday 14th June, 2016.Hon. David Elliott, Minister for Emergency Services, Veterans Affairs and Corrections, Members of Parliament, Selected Media Personalities, Commissioners of Government agencies, Students from Schools & Universities, Religious Scholars & Community Leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds were invited to the Iftar dinner. At the Iftar, there were not only leaders from the Muslim Community but also leaders from other faiths as well as politicians of Labor, Liberals and the Greens.

There were more than 300 dignitaries who attended the Iftar at NSW Parliament House Strangers Room. The Iftar dinner provided a welcomed opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significance of this occasion for Australia’s Muslim community.

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from MC, followed by recitation of Quran and speech by John Ajaka MLC Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Multiculturalism. He then introduced Mike Baird MP Premier of New South Wales who reflected on the significance of Ramadan.

Hon. John Ajaka, Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Multiculturalism appreciated Premier Hon. Mike Baird for continuing the tradition of an annual Iftar dinner and said Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Christian communities live together peacefully in Multicultural New South Wales. Minister John Ajaka said on a Government Level, encouragement is given towards inter-cultural and inter-faith activities that help bring diverse groups of people together. Minister John Ajaka is Australian with Lebanese background. He also speak few minutes in Arabic and give Message of unity with respect of all religions.

Premier Mike Baird said: “It is an honour to host an Iftar dinner – the breaking of the fast – with members of the NSW community who are observing Ramadan. Ramadan holds special significance in the life of Muslim Australians. It is a time of spiritual reflection and asks members of the Islamic faith to fast between sunrise and sunset. The focus and reflective nature of Ramadan supports our way of life, and is a timely reminder of the values we all share, including kindness, honesty, family and charity."

The Honourable Mike Baird said During the Holy month of Ramadan, many of you share Iftar meals with people of other religions, promoting understanding, mutual respect and social harmony and personally I am also fasting few days and trying to fast more & also I go to few Iftar parties.

Premier Honourable Mike Baird MP and Syed Zafar Hussain of Sada-e-Watan

Premier Mike Baird said: “The NSW Government is proud of the many contributions made to our economic, cultural and sporting sectors by Australian Muslims.” I deep respect and appreciation for everyone for peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

Host of the Evening - Premier of New South Wales Honourable Mike Baird MP

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