I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather, the Wadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with us here today.
I would like to thank Khoon Tan, President of the Western Australian Chinese Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to join you tonight. I acknowledge:
Minister for Multicultural Interests, the Honourable Dr Tony Buti MLA.
Government Whip in the Legislative Council, the Honourable Pierre Yang MLC.
Leader of the WA Liberal Party, Dr David Honey MLA.
The Honourable Clive Brown.
President of the Chung Wah Association Dr Ting Chen
I am delighted to be here on behalf of the Prime Minister.
I congratulate you on the 35th anniversary of this successful Chamber of Commerce.
Although as you may know, Chinese Australian history is much older.
It stretches to the 1850s, when thousands of Chinese joined migrants from around the world in heading to Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie in search of gold.
As early as the 1880s, Chinese migrants were opening small businesses across Perth and Fremantle.
Chinese pearlers contributed significantly to the initial development of Broome.
By the early 20th century, Chinese Australians had become such a part of our community that some volunteered to serve Australia in World War One.
Brothers George Gipp, Richard Gipp and Charles You were among those that enlisted in Perth.
Born in this city, their father Charles Lee Ah You Gipp arrived years earlier from Canton in search of gold.
In their service of Australia, the brothers suffered the fate of many World War One soldiers.
One was wounded at Gallipoli.
Another was plagued by disease.
The third died on the Western Front.
Their stories are a reminder of the terrible reality of war.
And a reminder of the depth of contribution Chinese Australians have made to our country.
A contribution that is represented in key areas of our community.
Mandarin is now Australia’s second most spoken language.
Today there are almost 1.4 million Australians with Chinese ancestry.
With more than 112,000 in greater Perth alone.
These numbers are reflected in the strength of Chinese commerce in our city.
For 35 years Western Australia’s Chinese business community has been well served by this Chamber.
Brining Australia and Asia together.
Building strong and lasting business relationships.
Benefiting both nations.
Western Australian resources have helped power China’s industrial transformation.
For China, the transformation has seen hundreds of millions of people lifted out of poverty.
For Australia, it has seen the establishment of deep bonds between people of different backgrounds.
Although Chinese Australians have contributed to our nation for years, the formal relationship between China and Australia is not much older than this Chamber.
This year we mark 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China.
Like so many of the achievements of the Whitlam Government, its success is reflected in its longevity.
Its’ impact.
And its’ potential for the future.
The Australian government remains committed to a constructive and respectful relationship with China.
One in which we can pursue our shared interests.
Yet remain consistent with our own national sovereign interests.
Australia is an outward-looking trading nation.
We are committed to sustained economic engagement with countries across the Asian region, including China.
For decades, China has been one of our major trading partners.
A relationship that has been to the considerable benefit of both nations.
Western Australians, whatever their heritage, have long known the benefits of strong business relationships between our state and the nations of Asia.
The trade and investment that has flowed from the relationship between Australia and China has been crucial to the commercial life of our city and the economic strength of our state.
It says a lot about the location of our nations.
But it says more about the people.
About their willingness to see through difference.
Not to fear it, but to embrace it.
To grow together and to prosper together.
Sharing in our mutual success and the benefits that have come with it.
I extend my sincere thanks to the Chamber for the important role it has played.
For your hard work and good will.
I honour the many successes you have achieved over the past 35 years.
And I wish you all the very best for the years and decades ahead.