Presented May 2008
FABC President's Report – 1st January to 30th June 2007
I am pleased to present this report to the committee of the FABC. This report will cover not just the reporting year as stated but will endeavor to cover latest news and developments.
The efforts of the FABC have continued with focus on communicating through our website and the first issue of the FABC newsletter, the 'Australian Buddhist'. Also, relationships with other faith communities are strengthening with dialogue with Hindu, Christian and Muslim peak organizations.
Communication and relationship with government is a major component of FABC function. The relationship with the past Liberal Federal Government was at times unproductive, but at its height the FABC gained recognition as the peak organization for Buddhists in Australia. One example was the acknowledgement by the Dept. Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) which invited the FABC to participate in a regional interfaith dialogue in Waitangi in New Zealand. The President of the FABC due to illness could not attend and Vice-President Kim Hollow stepped in at short notice. Also the Dept of Trade headed by Warren Truss also invited the FABC to attend 6 monthly meetings of the Dept. of Trade and NGOs. Some major international issues prompted the FABC to contact DFAT with concerns which were answered in an appropriate way. However, the schools chaplaincy scheme was of concern and the FABC felt that the Federal Government was not giving the Buddhist communities a fair go due to our lack of resources. Also, I had a promising meeting with the Federal Labor Senator after approaches to the Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd.
Under the present Federal Labor Government the relationship has not been as productive. The withdrawal of recognition by DFAT and not being invite to the inter-regional faith dialogue in Cambodia was a major blow. The FABC has written to DFAT and the Minister outlining its concerns and have not received a reply. This lack of recognition impacts on the FABC to effectively lobby and advocate on important international issues. Also, the issues with schools chaplaincy have not changed under the guidance of Julia Gillard after approaches by the FABC. Letters to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd have not been answered.
Our relationship with the Australian Sangha Association continues to mature; however, the relationship needs to grow much more. The future joint project of the policy forum has been held up due to lack of funds to hold a major forum. Application for funding through Harmony Grants is pending.
This year covers 1st January to 30th June due to a change in the FABC constitution financial year. I hope that future AGMs will be a track and time. The next AGM would be schedules for about October.
The first national survey was completed and I would like to thank my partner Judith-Ann for the many hours of work that she spent on the analysis and compiling of material.
I would like to thank the present and past committee members for their time and efforts and I look forward to a positive future for Buddhism in Australia.
Brian S. Ashen
President
Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils.