Among the Members of Parliament who attended were the Hon Laurie Ferguson, the Hon Philip Ruddock, the Hon Harry Jenkins, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senator Scott Ludlam, to deliver their messages to the Buddhist communities. A message from our Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, said ‘….Recent events have shown that we live in a world that is ever more closely connected and interdependent. As such, tolerance, non-violence and diligence – important values for Buddhists – must be central to our relationships with our neighbours, whether they are across the street or across the globe. With its plurality of cultures and traditions, commitment to interfaith harmony and dedication to service, the Australian Buddhist community is a living example to all of us….’