Hi All,

As i mentioned before i am emailing to multicultural affair minister here in Melbourne.

Below is the response i have received.I am hereby attaching pdf copy and screen shots for your information.

Mohini Ghaisas
mohini.karki@gmail.com
Dear Mohini,
Thank you for your email to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Ros Spence
MP, regarding your proposal for Diwali to be made a public holiday in Australia. The Minister
has referred your email to me for response.
I acknowledge the importance of Diwali as a major religious festival for Victoria’s many
diverse faith communities. The past 18 months have once again highlighted the important
role that cultural and religious festivals play in building local communities’ connectedness
and sharing their beliefs and traditions.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is proud to support faith communities to
celebrate Diwali, as well as a range of other religious and cultural festivals and events. Since
2014, more than $950,000 has been provided through the Multicultural Affairs portfolio for
91 Diwali festivals and events across the state.
In relation to your proposal to establish Diwali as a public holiday, I understand that new
public holidays are not being considered at this time.
Thank you again for your letter. I appreciate the time you have taken to write to the Minister
for Multicultural Affairs about this important matter.
Yours sincerely
Nicola Young
Acting Deputy Secretary
Fairer Victoria
1 / 12 / 20

As i mentioned keep posting the petition to as many groups as you can.

Reach local newspaper,ministers in your area to make diwali public holiday.

Together we can do it.

Thanks

Mohini