My warmest greetings to the people of so many faiths who celebrate the festival of lights.
On the darkest night of the month, we hold in our hearts the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is the moment when we turn the corner, and begin to see the lights ahead of us, guiding us forward.
We have been through dark times in these last two years.
This year, we celebrate Diwali as we draw ever closer to the light at the end of our COVID-19 tunnel.
That means all the things we’ve had to forsake – welcoming, gathering, celebration and ceremony – will again be possible. For some parts of Australia, we will be able to celebrate this year, and for the remainder of the country, next year.
We look forward with joy and hope knowing that our Diwali celebrations will take place again. Over recent years, I have joined Diwali celebrations around Australia and I know the joy, colour, community and food that makes Diwali such a special celebration.
We will get to that time with our National Plan to open safely, and to stay safely open. Our vaccination program underpins this plan and I urge all Australians to get vaccinated –– to take up the opportunity offered by our doses of hope.
I thank you, as people of faith and cultural communities, for your efforts over many months to keep your communities safe, together, and part of our united response to the pandemic.
May everyone celebrating Diwali this year be refreshed by its sense of hope and prosperity, and by the fellowship of your family and community.
Happy Diwali!
The Hon Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister of Australia
