Craig Laundy (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Next week across the electorate of Reid we will be celebrating Chinese New Year at numerous festivals, parades and celebrations. This year we celebrate the Year of the Sheep—or of the goat, as some of my Chinese friends refer to it. The sheep is the eighth sign in the Chinese calendar, and, just as the number eight is particularly lucky, so is the sign of the sheep. People born in the Year of the Sheep are said to be tender, polite, clever, gentle, creative and compassionate. That sounds a lot like you, Deputy Speaker.

Chinese New Year is the most important time in Chinese culture. It is a time to celebrate the coming new year, reflect on the past year, and spend time with our family and friends. It is also a great time to remind ourselves of the incredible contribution that Chinese migrants have made to Australia over many generations. Migrants from China have enriched our communities and, through their hard work and commitment to education, the Chinese-Australian community has established businesses that are driving growth in our economy.

Of course, this year will be especially important for both Australia and China. The landmark China-Australia free trade agreement will unlock substantial new benefits for Australians for years to come. There is much to celebrate this year, and the Year of the Sheep promises to be a great one. I look forward to joining my community in celebrating the new year next week. From my family, to all Australians of Chinese background: I wish you wealth, health and prosperity—and, as they say: Kung Hei Fat Choy.