Message to Western Australian Buddhists on the occasion of Vesak
As Leader of the State Parliamentary Labor Party, I extend my very best wishes for peace and good health to all West Australian Buddhists for Vesak celebrations this year.
There are now more than half-a-million Buddhists in Australia and strong Buddhist communities, with cultural groups from all over the world, In Western Australia. The goal of peace and harmony, within each individual and within our community, is important to all West Australians and the Buddhist example in an inspiration.
Settlement of Buddhists in Australia was recorded more than 150 years ago. The growing Buddhist population in Western Australia saw the establishment of our first formal Buddhist group 40 years ago. The establishment of the Buddhist Council of Western Australia was a further formal step in the growth of Buddhism.
I congratulate the Council on promoting peace and harmony through inter-religious cooperation and for its endeavours to improve the whole Western Australian community.
I wish you well in your celebrations of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha and join you in your hope for a peaceful and harmonious future for our world.
(signed)
MARK MCGOWAN
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
