Demand Accountability and Transparency Over the Premier’s Diwali Celebration

Appropriate Religious Consultation Regarding the Premier’s Diwali Celebration

Dear Premier of Victoria and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs

My concern

I welcome the Victorian Government’s recognition of Diwali and the contribution of Hindu communities to Victoria. However, I am concerned that the Premier’s Diwali celebration held on 5 October 2026 took place during Pitra Paksha (Shradh), a sacred period of remembrance and reverence for ancestors in many Hindu traditions. Many practising Hindus traditionally avoid major celebrations and auspicious activities during this period.

Hindu traditions are diverse, and not all families observe this period identically. Nevertheless, I am concerned that the timing disregarded beliefs held by many observant Hindus. Previous official Diwali events have also attracted concerns from some community members about their religious and cultural sensitivity. These concerns deserve a considered response, not assumptions about what consultation occurred.

I petition the Victorian Government to:

1. Explain the decision - Identify who selected and approved the event date, and what religious or cultural considerations were assessed before it was confirmed.

2. Disclose the consultation process - Identify which Hindu community organisations and appropriately qualified religious advisers were consulted before key decisions were made, the nature of their advice, and whether Pitra Paksha/Shradh was considered.

3. Clarify institutional responsibility - Explain the role of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria and any government or external advisers in planning the event, and identify who was responsible for religious and cultural due diligence.

4. Distinguish attendance from consultation - Clarify which individuals or organisations advised on the date before it was finalised, as distinct from those invited to attend or participate after planning decisions were made.

5. Provide a substantive written response - Respond publicly to these concerns and outline how religious and cultural advice will be appropriately considered when planning future official celebrations.

My request

I seek transparency, accountability and respectful engagement-not partisan blame. Official recognition of a religious festival should be informed by an understanding of its traditions and consultation undertaken early enough to influence decisions. We ask the Victorian Government to provide a substantive written response to this petition.

By signing, I personally endorse this petition and request a substantive response from the Victorian Government.

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5 signatures

To: The Premier of Victoria and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs

My concern

I welcome the Victorian Government’s recognition of Diwali and the contribution of Hindu communities to Victoria. However, I am concerned that the Premier’s Diwali celebration held on 5 October 2026 took place during Pitra Paksha (Shradh), a sacred period of remembrance and reverence for ancestors in many Hindu traditions. Many practising Hindus traditionally avoid major celebrations and auspicious activities during this period.

Hindu traditions are diverse, and not all families observe this period identically. Nevertheless, I am concerned that the timing disregarded beliefs held by many observant Hindus. Previous official Diwali events have also attracted concerns from some community members about their religious and cultural sensitivity. These concerns deserve a considered response, not assumptions about what consultation occurred.

I petition the Victorian Government to:

1. Explain the decision — Identify who selected and approved the event date, and what religious or cultural considerations were assessed before it was confirmed.

2. Disclose the consultation process — Identify which Hindu community organisations and appropriately qualified religious advisers were consulted before key decisions were made, the nature of their advice, and whether Pitra Paksha/Shradh was considered.

3. Clarify institutional responsibility — Explain the role of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria and any government or external advisers in planning the event, and identify who was responsible for religious and cultural due diligence.

4. Distinguish attendance from consultation — Clarify which individuals or organisations advised on the date before it was finalised, as distinct from those invited to attend or participate after planning decisions were made.

5. Provide a substantive written response — Respond publicly to these concerns and outline how religious and cultural advice will be appropriately considered when planning future official celebrations.

My request

I seek transparency, accountability and respectful engagement—not partisan blame. Official recognition of a religious festival should be informed by an understanding of its traditions and consultation undertaken early enough to influence decisions. We ask the Victorian Government to provide a substantive written response to this petition.

By signing, I personally endorse this petition and request a substantive response from the Victorian Government.