Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to a great Australian, Dr Eddie Liu. Dr Liu will be remembered as the father of Chinatown and one of the influential figures behind the development of multiculturalism in Brisbane and throughout Queensland. Sadly, Eddie passed away last night aged 91.

I have known Eddie for many years through my work on the Brisbane City Council and he was a very dear and old friend. Eddie will leave a lasting legacy in our community. He was a passionate advocate not only for the Chinese community but for the entire city of Brisbane. He will be sorely missed, particularly by his beloved Chinese Club of Queensland. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends. I know that you, Mr Deputy Speaker Scott, as the member for Maranoa, and the member for Brisbane, Teresa Gambaro, join with me in passing on our condolences.

Dr Liu's contribution to Queensland was recognised many times, including receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1991, Senior Citizen of the Year on Australia Day 2007 and Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2004 and being named Honorary Ambassador for Queensland for Australia Day 2008 and a Queensland Great in 2010.

I pass on our condolences to his family, Peter Liu and Frank Liu and their families, including his granddaughter—one of our Ryan constituents—Symantha Perkins.