Thursday, 10 September 2026

 John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (10:32): Victoria is at its best when every community has the opportunity to contribute, to belong and to build a future. Recently I joined foreign minister Penny Wong and the Premier at a roundtable discussion where we reinforced our recognition of the enormous contributions our Chinese communities make to Victoria. In Glen Waverley that contribution is part of everyday life. Families from China, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Korea and all over the world are building businesses, raising children with the best education and supporting their neighbours. And through their connections with their home countries, they help drive trade, academic exchange and tourism, all of which strengthens Victoria’s economy. That is something we should all be proud of.

But we have seen rhetoric that turns people’s background and connection into reasons for suspicion, singling out members of our community and questioning their connections to their home country. We can have serious conversations about national security and foreign policy without casting suspicion. Because when that rhetoric enters the public conversation, it does not simply stay online. It reaches our children, our business owners and those who choose to contribute to civic life. That is why I am so pleased to see the leadership of our state and federal governments standing firmly behind multicultural communities. As member for the Glen Waverley district, I will continue to stand against racism, hatred and division, and I will continue working with our multicultural communities to make sure everyone feels welcome, respected and proud to call Victoria home.