Andrew Bragg (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness) Share this | Hansard source

One of the great things we're able to do in these roles is engage deeply across our communities. On 27 February, I was able to meet with members of the Chinese Australian community at the Haymarket Chamber of Commerce. The Haymarket Chamber of Commerce does an annual new year function. This year, the Year of the Fire Horse, there was a magnificent banquet dinner. I've often said when I'm able to visit with members of the Chinese Australian community that they are the hardest working and least complaining of all the great diasporas across the Australian community—although I'm sure there may be some competition and that may be somewhat controversial. Nonetheless, I stand by my position that they are extremely hardworking, loyal and patriotic Australians who are generally very industrious. So it was a magnificent feast as always, and we were able to come together with all members of parliament from across the spectrum. I was able to be there with the opposition leader, Angus Taylor. I'd say that this is one of the best events that is held around Chinese New Year in Sydney because it's central. It's in the centrepiece of the cultural enclave, if you like, of Chinese Australia in Sydney, down there in Haymarket. I want to acknowledge Vincent Lim, who does a great job each year in hosting the banquet; of course, the Chinese Australian Forum, which has supported the dinner; and my old friend Simon Chan, who was former president of the Chinese Australian Forum and has now gone on to bigger and better things.