Australian Muslims Visit South-East Asia

I am pleased to announce a visit by a delegation of Australian Muslim community leaders to Indonesia and Malaysia this week (23 Oct to 2 November).

The visit (funded by the Australian Government) is an opportunity for Muslim Australians to engage in the region and promote messages of cross-cultural understanding. The delegates will also discuss their experiences as members of the diverse Muslim community in Australia. The delegation will visit urban and rural areas of Indonesia and Malaysia for dialogue with local youth and women’s groups, academics and religious leaders, as well as government representatives.

The visit and its mission of promoting understanding, tolerance and cooperation is particularly relevant at this time when we are recalling the tragic Bali bombing of five years ago.

The visit also complements Australia’s contribution in co-sponsoring the regional interfaith dialogue process, with meetings held in Yogyakarta, Cebu and Waitangi, since 2004. The next regional interfaith dialogue will be held in Cambodia in 2008.

The delegation reflects the broad cultural diversity of Australia’s Muslim community and comprises Dr Ameer Ali (WA), Sheik Shafiq Khan (NSW), Dr Amin Hady (NSW), Sheik Sabri Samson (Tas), Ms Jamila Hussain (NSW), Ms Faiza El-Higzi (QLD), Mr Tom Zreika (NSW) and Mr Ikebal Patel (ACT).

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555