Fiona Martin (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australia is one of the most successful multicultural communities around the world, and Reid is home to over 40,000 people who have Chinese ancestry. Two weeks ago I had the great pleasure of congratulating the Chinese Australian Services Society, better known as CASS, on their 40 years of providing outstanding service to our community.

Australia has a long and proud tradition of welcoming migrants from around the world. Immigration, from China in particular, to Australia dates back more than 200 years. Today we have more than 1.2 million Australians of Chinese ancestry who have chosen to make Australia their home. By providing a comprehensive range of social and welfare services across the life span, CASS has provided settlement services, education, vocational training, social and recreational activities, aged care and child care, and they serve their community so well.

Chinese Australians are an integral part of our diverse multicultural society, and we value their contributions to our nation. In the Year of the Ox, we can reflect on the Chinese community's resilience during times of hardship, particularly during the last year, which has been challenging. For four decades, the efforts of CASS have provided important services and support to the Chinese and Asian Australian communities. I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for their commitment and service to our community.