Australian China Business Council of Queensland Chinese New Year Gala Dinner

Premier and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP; Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, the Honourable Mark Furner MP; representing the Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mr John-Paul Langbroek MP; representing The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor David McLachlan; Councillors; Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane, Dr Ruan Zongze; President of the Australia China Business Council Queensland, Mr Steve Abbott and the Executive Committee; China Chamber of Commerce in Australia (CCCA) Brisbane Branch Chairman Pu Haiyang; Council Members; distinguished guests and friends.

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

I thank the Queensland Branch of the Australia China Business Council          and the China Chamber of Commerce in Queensland for the kind invitation to attend this evening’s special gala dinner, which sadly was postponed last year due to COVID. Graeme and I are delighted to be part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Already this evening, we have experienced a sample of the excitement, colour, and vibrancy that this rich cultural tradition brings to so many people around the world.

I am therefore pleased, as Patron of the Australia China Business Council Queensland, to be continuing this relatively recent, but very welcome addition to the Vice-Regal calendar, which began with my predecessor, the 26^th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC CVO.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2023 heralds the Year of the Rabbit—more specifically, the Water Rabbit. This also happens to be both the animal and Chinese element I was born under, so I feel even more fortunate to be here!

As the Year of the Rabbit symbolises peace, harmony and prosperity, and a patient, contemplative energy, it also signifies that 2023 will bring with it tremendous hope, and I can think of no better way to begin a new year!

This joyful time of togetherness and friendship reminds us that it is the relationships we nurture that help forge and promote opportunities for growth and development.

The end of 2022 marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and China and tonight we celebrate this milestone, and pay tribute to those who help strengthen these important bonds.

Over many years, Australia China Business Council Queensland has built an extensive network of business, trade and investment links across diverse sectors, and has been pivotal—not only in providing its members with valuable support and knowledge—but in deepening the broader bilateral relationships between our State and China.

By working closely with the China Chamber of Commerce in Australia, the Chinese Consulate General, governments, and business, the Council has encouraged dynamic, resilient and beneficial connections that will serve us well as we look towards the future.

As Governor of Queensland, I commend all involved with the Council, together with its members and partner organisations, and the wider Chinese community for your efforts in forging such positive associations that help build mutual prosperity. 

As we enter the Year of the Rabbit—one of the luckiest of Chinese signs and one that wisely focuses on thoughtful interactions—I look forward to the year ahead with great optimism.

I wish you all a most enjoyable evening, and a very successful 2023.