Tuesday, 17 February 2026

 John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (19:12): (1524) My question is for the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Can the minister update the house on how the Allan Labor government continues to support Chinese Victorians, particularly those in my electorate of Glen Waverley? As we celebrate Chinese New Year, I want to wish everyone marking this important occasion a joyful and prosperous Year of the Horse. Glen Waverley is a proudly multicultural community. The Chinese community is not simply part of our district, it is woven deeply into its fabric. Through education, small business, professional services, community leadership and cultural life, Chinese Victorians are threads that strengthen and enrich the whole. That story resonates deeply with me. Like so many others, my family came to Victoria seeking opportunity and security for the next generation.

Ours is a state shaped by migration, strengthened by it and enriched by every culture that calls it home. Recently I was pleased to join the Premier at the Year of the Horse gala celebrations and to bring along representatives from local organisations and businesses who do extraordinary work strengthening community ties, supporting seniors, fostering trade and keeping cultural traditions alive. I want to acknowledge the Chinese Senior’s Education & Skills Development Association, 3133 Good Neighbours group, Chinese Association of Monash, the Anhui Association of Victoria, Hunan Association Victoria, Australian Yunnan Society, Beijing Association of Victoria, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Alumni Association, Federation of Chinese Culinary Association, Chinese Photography Association of Victoria, Chinese Professionals Club of Victoria, Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce, Culinaria Cafe in Brentford Square, the Management Edge in Burwood, RLY Chinese Cultural and Language Academy, Bowei Technologies and Our Point 3.

These organisations represent only a fraction of the contributions Chinese Victorians make to our shared social, cultural and economic life. They build bridges between generations, between businesses and between nations. To the Chinese Victorians in Glen Waverley district and across our state, thank you for your leadership, your entrepreneurship, your community spirit and your generosity in sharing your traditions with us all. Xīn nián kuài lè dà jiā.