Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China’s Chinese New Year Reception

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, the Honourable Mr Mark Furner MP; the Honourable Justice Ms Debra Mullins AO; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Angela Owen; Members of Parliament; Queensland Police Commissioner, Ms Katarina Carroll APM; Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane, Dr RUAN Zongze and Madam OUYANG Hongbing; Members of the Consular Corps; Queensland Chinese United Council President, Mr Michael Ma; distinguished guests and friends.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Thank yu all so much for your warm welcome this evening. Graeme and I were delighted to accept the Consul-General’s kind invitation to join you in celebrating the approaching Chinese Lunar New Year, and the arrival of the Year of the Dragon.

As powerful mythical creatures, dragons represent courage, ambition and fearlessness, but they also yearn for love and support.

While dragons may tenaciously strive to achieve at the highest levels, they do so for the good of others—for their communities.

These admirable qualities remind us that the connections we make with others are not just beneficial, but are necessary to ensure success.

And whether these ties are forged locally, here in Queensland, or stretch out far across the seas, they underpin a wider prosperity that is not measured by economics alone.

It has been over 50 years now, since diplomatic relationships were formally established between China and Australia, but of course, the positive influence of the Chinese people in Queensland goes back much further—to before the gold rushes of the 1850s.

Those early Chinese immigrants brought expertise, an enterprising outlook, and a willingness to work hard, that transformed the business community, and left a lasting legacy that continues to boost our state today.

But they also brought with them rich cultural traditions that have endured over time and have been strengthened by the many generations of Chinese people who have called Queensland home.

And since those early days, while much has changed in the world, we are continually enriched by such deep knowledge sharing—by working together to build trade and investment opportunities, helping each other in times of need, and nurturing a cross-cultural exchange that promotes greater mutual understanding.

I know the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China is committed to furthering these important connections between our two countries, and I thank them, and all the many individuals out in the community who are focussed on nurturing this vital bi-lateral friendship.

The Chinese New Year brings the opportunity for renewal, and when it begins on the 10th of February, millions around the world will join in the celebrations, in a spirit of harmony and happiness.

I wish each of you a wonderful Chinese Lunar New Year, marked by joy and good fortune, as together, we look towards a productive, prosperous, and positive 2024.