The Victorian opposition has slammed the Allan government over its decision to rename a lake after a Sikh religious figure, with a senior Liberal MP describing the decision as “divisive”.
earlier this month when it held a ceremony to rename Berwick Springs Lake in Narre Warren after the 15th Century founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Speaking to Sky News Australia, Mr Battin said many people in the community had “genuine concerns” about the government’s failure to consult local constituents before announcing the new name.“The local community had to pay infrastructure costs to get that lake established, to maintain it. They pay extra in their rates, so it's maintained to a higher standard than most parks in the area, but they didn't get a say in what happens.
The shadow minister clarified he did not have a problem with places being named after local religious figures who had done work in the community, but names should not be chosen for their significance to a particular religious community. The shadow minister also noted that while there were examples of schools and hospitals named after religious figures – like Mary MacKillop School and St John of God Hospital – these were private enterprises and the naming decision had “nothing to do with government”.
“The naming of a lake at Berwick Springs in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – the founder of the Sikh religion – is a beautiful reflection of our state’s diversity, and the important contribution that Sikh Victorians make,” Ms Stitt said in a social media post. "Our fight here has nothing to do with that local community and the Sikh community, who do an amazing job in the local area," Mr Battin said.
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