David Van (Victoria, Liberal Party) | Hansard source

Yes, she has come out saying that, I believe. Gladys immigrated to Australia and has worked tirelessly to forward the integration of Chinese migrants into Australian society, and there is no doubt in my mind that Gladys is an exceptional individual and an exceptional Australian.

In my maiden speech I discussed the value of Australia's democracy, and I must say the attitude of some towards our first-ever elected female Chinese member of the House of Representatives is incongruous with the democracy I know and love. Gladys Liu has faced extreme criticism, including ongoing criticism from Senator Farrell at this point in time, for associations with two organisations in particular. However, I ask: should those organisations be different to any other organisation that non-Chinese current and former parliamentarians have also been a part of? Have these non-Chinese Australians faced similar rebuke? There is a double standard here that needs to be highlighted. From my home state of Victoria, earlier this year the Labor Premier, Dan Andrews, was in China attending the Belt and Road forum. We can assume that Dan accepted hospitality at this event and throughout his travels from a foreign government, and this is to be expected. This is natural. But would the perception of Dan's tour be under challenge if he were a Chinese Australian? Unfortunately, after what we've seen today, I don't think it would be. As we heard earlier, the member for McMahon accepted travel from the Australian Guangdong Chamber of Commerce over his five-day trip to Hong Kong and China. If he were a Chinese Australian, would he get the same treatment that Ms Liu has? I believe Ms Liu is a very solid Australian and is a very proper person to be in this place.