Thursday, 19 June 2025

China strategy

John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (17:27): (1210) My adjournment matter is directed to the Premier, and the action I seek is for the Premier to visit the Glen Waverley district to meet with our local Chinese community and discuss the Allan Labor government’s work in delivering for my constituents, and specifically how the state government’s new China strategy will benefit them. Victoria has enjoyed a significant connection with China for over 175 years. Resilient relationships evolve with time, embrace innovation and pursue new opportunity, which is why the Allan Labor government is developing a new China strategy.

The Glen Waverley district is home to a proud and vibrant Chinese community, with almost one in three residents identifying with Chinese ancestry. This presence is felt across my electorate in our local schools, restaurants, small businesses, community groups and events and festivals that celebrate Chinese culture and heritage. Our district also benefits from Victoria’s broader economic relationship with China. Chinese tourists frequently stay in our local hotels and short-stay accommodation, with some of the hotels in the Glen Waverley district having the highest occupancy rates across Victoria. International students from China, many of whom attend nearby Monash University and Deakin University, live, shop and work in our community. Local businesses are pursuing stronger trade links with China, while industry groups are exploring training and partnerships with Chinese institutions to help address skills shortages.

We also look forward to an update on the Chinese community centre that was committed to by the Labor government before the last election. This centre will become not only a place of cultural celebration but a hub for inclusion, business collaboration and community support. With the Premier’s upcoming visit to China, my community is eager to understand how the new China strategy will deliver benefits not just at a diplomatic level but in ways that recognise and uplift the everyday contributions of our local Chinese community. I look forward to the Premier’s response, and I do hope to see her in the Glen Waverley district very soon.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Before I call the minister, I have reviewed the constituency questions from today. The member for South Barwon’s constituency question was not in the format acceptable, so I cannot approve that.