Anthony Albanese, Michelle Rowland visit Blacktown Hindu temple

Anthony Albanese told members of a Blacktown temple Australia was ‘unimaginable’ without its Indian community. He also used the visit to take aim at the PM.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese slammed the Prime Minister’s “empty speech” at the Glasgow climate conference during a visit to a Blacktown temple.

He was alongside Greenway MP Michelle Rowland as he visited the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu temple in Blacktown for the start of Diwali.

“In Glasgow we saw an empty speech to an empty room,” Mr Albanese told reporters.

“A Prime Minister that didn’t have a lot to say about the future and therefore the world wasn’t really listening.

Michelle Rowland and Anthony Albanese visit Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Blacktown for Diwali

“They were aware that just a week earlier he said that there was no new policies, when he launched, reluctantly and belatedly Australia’s position of net zero by 2050.

“In not having anything of substance to say, the focus was on the breakdown of relations between Australia, the United States and France.”

Mr Albanese also took aim at the Federal Government over minimum wage, arguing the concept of paying people a fair wage wasn’t difficult to understand.

“The Federal Government’s response is that paying people the minimum wage which is just $25.41 for a casual was complicated,” he said.

“The truth is that paying people in Australia the minimum wage isn’t complicated it is just decent, the right thing to do, we need to stop people being exploited.”

He told those gathered it was great to be back in Blacktown before acknowledging the area’s Indian community.

Anthony Albanese taking part in the service at the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Blacktown for Diwali

“I would like to acknowledge once again the Australian Indian community and your role in shaping our nation into what it is today,” he said. “Australia without you is simply unimaginable.

“Bringing your culture, your faith, your celebrations and activities here enriches all of us. I think that our two great nations have a lot in common.”

Ms Rowland and Mr Albanese were also treated to a service and food at the temple for Diwali.

Anthony Albanese says Australia without the Indian community is unimaginable

“It is a wonderful time to be in Australia but an even better time to be here in western Sydney celebrating with such a great community,” Ms Rowland said.

She said the visit showed her leader’s commitment to western Sydney.

“As a former Infrastructure Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, he understands its cultural diversity and the importance of Western Sydney businesses,” she said.

Albanese blasts Scott Morrison’s “empty speech” at UN climate summit

“He recognises Western Sydney is central to the growth and success of the NSW economy, and wants to reward the aspiration reflected so powerfully in our diverse communities.”