Call for unity as Muslims celebrate Eid
As thousands of Muslims gathered to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice, Australian politicians pushed for unity and denounced bigotry.
Prayers rang out through Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's west on Saturday, when the Muslim community gathered to worship and feast at the end of the annual Hajj.
Politicians from both major parties stood among the colourful hijabs and the white thobes donned by men to preach a message of unity.
NSW Premier Mike Baird addressed the crowd as "family".
"Let's be honest, over the past few days and months it has been a difficult time," he said.
"In NSW we are one family: we have different faiths, we have different backgrounds but we are one family."
There was no room for intolerance, racism or prejudice, he said, echoing earlier statements by Immigration Minister Scott Morrison.
Addressing those gathered, Mr Morrison praised Muslims who showed what was "true and pure".
"I commend those of faith here today who came together in spirit of peace and of unity," he said.
"I assure you of the government's support of this community."
Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten Shorten also emphasised tolerance.
"Let us declare that the bigots, the racists, the haters, the extremists do not speak for people of faith in modern Australia," he said.
