Andrew Bragg (NSW, Liberal Party) | Hansard source

On 16 July I attended the first Australia Bangladesh Business Forum meeting in south-west Sydney. I want to acknowledge the organisers of this terrific event—Brian Laul, Abdul Khan Ratan and my good friend Mohammad Zaman—for organising this particularly impressive small-business showcase which is only going to strengthen the ties between Australia and Bangladesh.

We have a very large and successful Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia, particularly in parts of Western Sydney, which is something to be so proud of. I believe the Bangladeshi diaspora to be one of the hardest working and least complaining diaspora groups anywhere in Australia. It is so important we are able to raise the profile of this bilateral relationship with our good friend Bangladesh.

It was well attended, including by the opposition leader in New South Wales, Mr Mark Speakman, and many other parliamentary colleagues. I think that's a testament to the respect the Australian parliament and the New South Wales parliament have for the Bangladeshi diaspora in Sydney and in New South Wales. Well done to all those involved.