Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (13:00): Là Fhèile Pàdraig sona duit. On another matter, I want to recognise the important milestone this year of 80 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Ireland. The ties between our two nations run deep, shaped by generations of Irish migrants who helped build modern Victoria and who continue to enrich our cultural, social and political life. Céad míle fáilte to Ireland’s first female ambassador to Australia, Her Excellency Fiona Flood – possibly a relative of mine – and newly appointed Ireland’s Consul-General for Victoria and Tasmania Ms Marie-Claire Hughes, who has hit the ground running, opening a consulate right here in the heart of Melbourne. I thank Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce president Jeff Doyle and his team for bringing together Victoria’s large Irish diaspora to celebrate the contributions Irish Australian businesses make to our state. I also congratulate Celtic Club president Professor Ronan McDonald and his team for the important role they play in bringing the Victorian Irish community together.