David Van (Victoria, Liberal Party) | Hansard source

The member for Chisholm is an absolutely suitable person to be a member of this parliament, and she was elected by the people of Chisholm. Ms Liu is an outstanding Australian. She came here as a migrant, and I point out to the chamber that Ms Liu is a migrant from Hong Kong—what's been happening in Hong Kong recently might be lost on those on the other side. So the point that Ms Liu might be a member of the Chinese Communist Party—which I think they're trying to allege—is absolutely wrong. She came here as a migrant and has done exceptionally well. Her work as a speech pathologist is well known and well understood. The work that she's done throughout her community, and being a member of community groups—memberships that other people have—shouldn't be lost on those on the other side.

We should also ask: what are all these allegations going to do to other migrants, especially other migrant women, who are deciding whether to take up a place in public life? They may wonder, 'Should I stand for politics if I'm going to cop this sort of abuse from those from the other side?' It's absolutely disgraceful. Many Australian migrants have dedicated their lives to the betterment of their community within Australia. I believe it is offensive that someone of the standing of Gladys Liu has been unfairly questioned about her allegiance to Australia. We should not doubt the superior loyalty and commitment of migrants to Australia. Instead, we should recognise their contributions to our political system. Gladys Liu was one such migrant. She grew up in Hong Kong. Remember that. Please, senators: remember she grew up in Hong Kong and migrated from Hong Kong.