Tuesday, 28 October 2025

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:37): I welcome the revival of Victoria’s Hamer scholarships, not just another scholarship but a bridge between our state and Asia built through education. It was a Liberal government that created the Hamer scholarships in 2012, named after former Premier Rupert Hamer, the visionary who forged Victoria’s first sister state relationships with Jiangsu, China. The purpose was simple but profound: to give young Victorians the chance to live and study in China. These scholarships helped many young Victorians master Asian languages, better understand these cultures and build the face-to-face, people-to-people ties that underpin trade and trust. And it worked. Dozens of Victorians returned from Asia fluent, confident and globally minded. Many became founders, educators and export leaders, strengthening Victoria’s connection with our region. The program was paused by the Labor government in 2019, leaving that bridge unattended for too long, so its return is very welcome. It is not just a funding program but a renewed effort to deepen our personal connections, mutual understanding and genuine cultural exchange between Victoria and our partners in Asia. It recognises China’s growing international standing and presence and its extraordinary advances in science and technology. Embracing and leveraging these relationships is how Victoria maintains a globally competitive and diplomatic nature.