Presented November 2008
Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils Inc. – President's Report – November 2008
Please accept this report for the year 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008. This report will be brief as the last report was presented in May 2008 which covered latest news up until that date.
The FABC has been active in areas of discussion and dialogue in relation to visas for religious workers, chaplaincy for the Australian Defence Force, partnerships with Australian Sangha Association and Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations.
Discussions continue with the Department of Immigration over the issue of wages paid to sangha in support of visa applications. The Minister has never made a compromise or offer of change despite approaches by the FABC and ASA. The issue will still continue until a satisfactory outcome in achieved. The relation between the FABC and ASA was formally recognised by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that brings the FABC and ASA together and speak and work as one entity in special circumstances. This will strengthen Buddhism in Australian.
Discussions continue with the ADF in relation to chaplains. The FABC and ASA chaplaincy committee are in ongoing meetings and a result will soon be achieved.
The FABC and ASA jointly sit on the APRO committee and this has been a successful example of the two bodies working together for the benefit of Buddhism in Australia.
The running of the FABC has been a little difficult due the vacancy of secretary and treasurers positions. It is acknowledged that members have many burdens and the constitution allows for two delegates. Ideally one of the delegates should be the Chair or President of a member Council. However, this then allows for a second delegate to chosen who could in theory contribute more time and effort as an office bearer or project worker to the FABC. I hope that no positions are left vacant for the coming year.
I would like to thank Laura Chan and Mohini Gunesekera for their kind donations for the China earthquake victims.
Thank you for all the input and time of all members and delegates for the year 2007/08.
Brian S. Ashen
President
Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils Inc.