Presented November 2009
Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils Inc. - President’s Report - November 2009
Please accept this annual report for the year 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009.
This year has been a busy year with the tragedy of the Black Saturday fires and immigration for sangha issues. Also, a delegation from the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC) and the Australian Sangha Association (ASA) presented a copy of the Dhammapada to the speaker of the House of Representatives the Hon. Harry Jenkins MP. This very special Buddhist scripture was placed in the despatch box in the centre of Parliament.
The relationship with the ASA has continued to grow with the Venerable Sujato and myself attending and Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations (APRO) forum is Adelaide. This working relationship between FABC and ASA will guarantee the significance of both organisations and will strengthen as time goes on.
The role with APRO is an important relationship as this has led to closer ties with other faith peak groups. It is hoped that the strength of APRO will grow and the FABC and ASA have an important role in this growth.
On the international level the building of communications and networking continues. The FABC, the European Buddhist Union and the Buddhist Council of the Mid-West (USA) continue to have discussions on the establishment of an international network of Buddhist Councils and Unions. Other councils and unions who have been notified of this project have been New Zealand, Malaysia, Finland, India and Wales.
This year marked our first under registration with the Incorporations Act of Victoria and this move from NSW to Victoria meant that we received a $1,000 support grant from the Victorian Multicultural Commission. The FABC extends its thanks to the VMC for their support.
The area of policy formulation is still an issue that needs an outcome. I hope that the committee makes it a priority to start the process within the year.
I would like to thank all the committee members for the support they have given in running the Federation of Australian of Buddhist Councils (FABC). Norah Chan has done a wonderful job with our accounts this year and also, a thank you to David Revell for his IT and web support throughout the year.
Brian Ashen
President
FABC
22 November 2009