national body for Indian community

Confederation to work for and serve all Indians and enhance Indo-Oz relations, writes PREETI JABBAL

The Confederation of Indian Australian Association Inc. (CIAA), a national representative body for all Australian Indians, was launched at the Indian Consulate in Melbourne recently, under the auspices of the Indian High Commissioner Mr Biren Nanda.

Representatives of all Victorian Indian Associations attended the event along with some representatives from New South Wales and Queensland.

Dignitaries attending the event included Mr Scott Morrison, Shadow Opposition Minister for Immigration, Ms Inga Peulich representing South Eastern Metropolitan and Parliamentary Secretary for Education and State Opposition representative, Ms Marsha Thomson, member for Footscray.

“The confederation will work and serve all Indians and will enhance the links between our new home Australia and our motherland India,” said Mr Srinivasan, President of the Federation of Indian Associations. The Confederation will be a truly national institution that will be a counsel and lobby for our community with all levels of government. We request all Indian associations to participate for our collective good,” he stated.

In his speech Mr Nanda cautioned against division, and called upon all to “build an institution not to serve individual interests, but for all Indians in Australia.” Mr Morrison offered the LNP Opposition’s support for the Confederation adding, “If elected to government on 7/9... the Government (Liberal) will always have its eye on the needs and concerns of Indians throughout Australia”.

An interim committee will be established consisting of chairperson Mr Srinivasan and a representative from each State and Territory. Mr Peter Vlahos (FIAV Legal Counsel) is expected to assist in matters that are administrative and constitutional.

Dr P Naidu Bodapati, President, QLD FICQ represented other Australian states. He was elected as part of the interim committee to represent Queensland, while Mr Stanley D’Cruz was nominated to represent New South Wales. The patron of FICQ Mr Surendra Prasad OAM was also present at the event. A constitution will be drafted and finalised very soon, outlining the objectives and aims of the confederate.