A Victorian MP has promised to give the Indian community $500,000 to upgrade a Hindu temple in Melbourne if the Labor government wins the state election next month.
Ros Spence, who is married to Labor strategist-turned-pollster Kos Samaras, shared a video of herself announcing the funding last weekend alongside fellow MP Iwan Walters after the pair had red dots painted on their foreheads.
The funding will go to the Kali Maha Mandir temple in Craigieburn, which also received an $80,000 state government grant for security upgrades earlier this year, and Ms Spence said it would be one of three organisations to share an additional $100,000 for “food relief programs”.
Indians cheer as Labor MP Ros Spence promises to give them $500,000 to upgrade a Hindu temple in Melbourne if re-elected next month.
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“Labor is the only government that has supported temple (sic), and we will continue to do so,” the Minister for Youth Justice, Corrections, Victim Support and Community Sport said in the video.
“To start with … a re-elected Labot government will do that with $500,000 for infrastructure upgrades.”
The announcement was clapped and cheered by the audience, including by a woman in traditional Indian dress standing next to Ms Spence.
“This funding will support the temple’s growing community, ensuring better facilities, safety, and accessibility for everyone who visits. In addition, Kali Mata Mandir will be one of three local organisations, to share in $100,000 for food relief programs,” Ms Spence wrote on social media.
“The Carroll Labor Government remains deeply committed to investing in local infrastructure, supporting our diverse community, and helping those doing tough work on the frontline.”
The pledge comes less than a fortnight after Premier Ben Carroll sparked criticism by pandering to Indian immigrant voters at a Diwali event at Parliament House.
According to a Roy Morgan poll published last month, 43% of Indian immigrant voters support Labor, 33% support the Coalition, 9% back the Greens, 8% intend to vote for One Nation, and another 7% support independents or other minor parties.
Header image: Left, right, Ms Spence making the announcement (Instagram).
