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

Representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Cameron Dick MP; The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Member for Ferny Grove, Mr Mark Furner MP; Member for Jordan, Mrs Charis Mullen MP; Consul-General, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane, Dr Ruan Zongze; Deputy Consul-General, Ms Li Suyun; Vice Consul, Ms Ruoxi Sun; Queensland Police Service, Assistant Commissioner Glenn Morris; Mayor, City of Logan, Councillor Jon Raven; Mayor, Bundaberg Regional Council, Councillor Helen Blackburn; Mayor, Mackay Regional Council, Councillor Greg Williamson; Councillor for MacGregor Ward, Councillor Steven Huang; President, Queensland Chinese United Council, Mr Michael Ma; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to have this opportunity to share the Chinese New Year celebrations with all of you, and I thank the Consul-General for his kind invitation for us to be here tonight.

In a week’s time, the Year of the Fire Horse will herald an energised beginning, bringing qualities of strength, independence, intelligence, and diligence.  Significantly, the enthusiasm of the Fire Horse also brings the promise of a year of innovation and breakthroughs—which is particularly welcome in the complex world we share today.

Since ancient times, Chinese inventions have had an incredible impact globally—from papermaking, the mariner’s compass, the Iron Plow and seismometer, to high-tech contemporary developments in electric cars, high speed rail, consumer electronics, and the use of AI—these innovations transform the way we live and work.

Modern inventions, however, do not emerge from the endeavours of individuals, but instead, rely on the combined efforts of multidisciplinary teams—reaching across many countries.

Harnessing the power of diverse perspectives, capabilities, skills and knowledge helps address the needs of our ever-changing world.

That same spirit of collaboration underpins the strength and maturity of Australia’s—and Queensland’s—relationship with the People’s Republic of China, something I witnessed firsthand during my official visit to China in 2024.

This shared purpose is expressed in many ways: through trade, business and investment; through education and cultural exchange; and through science and technology, where joint research partnerships between Chinese and Queensland scientists are advancing solutions to global challenges in agriculture, health and the environment.

Since the Chinese Consulate here was upgraded to full Consulate-General status in 2007, we have seen a continued strengthening in the ties between us, across all of these areas, and I thank Dr Ruan for furthering our partnership through the work of the Consulate.

Because, while we have forged a productive economic connection, which is of mutual benefit to both of our countries, we have also nurtured a special bond built on friendship, and mutual respect—and one that is founded on the immense contributions of the growing number of Chinese-Australians who now call Queensland home.

In this, the Chinese business community of Queensland is also crucial to ensuring that these valuable person-to-person links remain strong. I take this opportunity to thank the many Chinese-Queensland organisations represented here this evening, who do so much to encourage new ventures and improve understanding between our countries.

In this spirit of optimism and vitality, I wish you, your families and friends a most enjoyable Chinese Lunar New Year—one that brings prosperity, peace and a renewed commitment to pioneer and invent to create a better future for all.