Parliament

The Latest News & Speeches

Multiculturalism

15 May, 2019

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:52): Today, I am delighted to speak about multicultural affairs, the portfolio that I am passionate about and honoured to serve in my capacity as Assistant Minister to the Premier. I have been very fortunate to have been entrusted by the Liberal Party, in opposition and now in government, to work directly in the portfolio of multicultural affairs since I was elected in 2010.

Being a migrant myself, I know from my own experience that when people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have a greater sense of connection to their family and are able to readily access their community with shared values, cultures and trust, individuals, children, young people and families from a multicultural background can feel a strong sense of belonging and inner worth that helps them to build resilience, confidence and pride at home and within the community.

Sri Lanka Terrorist Attacks

02 May, 2019

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:23): I move:

That this council—

1. Expresses its deepest sorrow and abhorrence at the senseless killing of innocent men, women and children in coordinated terrorist bombings at Christian churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday 2019;

2. Mourns the extensive loss of life, including two Australians, and hopes for the full recovery of the many injured;

3. Expresses its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of all those who have been affected by this appalling event;

4. Stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and South Australia’s Sri Lankan community;

5. Condemns terrorism and extremism in all its forms; and

6. Reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive and harmonious multicultural society.

Indofest Adelaide

01 May, 2019

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:28): It is a great honour today to speak about the Australian-Indonesian Association of South Australia (AIASA) and the 2019 Indofest, which was held on Sunday 28 April 2019. As honourable members will know, Indonesia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with over 17,000 islands and hundreds of distinct ethnic and linguistic groups. This year, Indofest Adelaide celebrated its 11th anniversary. I am pleased to report that it continues to be the largest Indonesian festival in Australia and has grown from strength to strength.

State Liberal Government

20 March, 2019

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:53): It is a great honour today to speak about the 12-month anniversary of the Marshall Liberal government. One year ago, on Sunday 17 March 2018, the people of South Australia declared their confidence in the Liberal Party's strong plan for real change and delivered a new majority Liberal government. Local community members I meet every day and delegates visiting from overseas have expressed to me that it is an incredibly exciting time to be in South Australia right now.

I am extremely proud to be an integral part of the Marshall Liberal government, and I am very honoured to serve as the Assistant Minister to the Premier. Under the strong leadership of the Premier, the Marshall Liberal government's first year in office has delivered real outcomes for South Australia.

There has never been a better time to work and live in South Australia. Business confidence is rising to levels not seen in more than 10 years, and reports such as the recent ANZ report show that South Australia's economy was the stand out among all states and territories.

Christchurch Mosques Attack

19 March, 2019

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:16): I move:

That this council—

(a) expresses its deepest sorrow and abhorrence at the senseless killing of innocent men, women and children in the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch on Friday 15 March 2019;

(b) mourns the tragic loss of life, and hopes for a full recovery of those injured;

(c) expresses its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of all those who are affected by this appalling event;

(d) stands in solidarity with the people of Christchurch—Adelaide's sister city—New Zealand, and South Australia's Muslim community;

(e) condemns terrorism and extremism in all its forms; and

(f) reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive and harmonious multicultural society.

Lunar New Year

13 February, 2019

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:43): It is with great pleasure today that I speak about one of the most celebrated festivals around the world and in South Australia, which is the Lunar New Year. Our many multicultural communities in South Australia have certainly been very busy in organising functions to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig. Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout Asia and beyond. It is commonly known in China and for overseas Chinese people as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, in Vietnam as the Tet Festival, in Korea as Seollal and as Losar for Buddhists in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India.

Australian Chinese Medical Association South Australia

05 July, 2017

The Hon. J.S. LEE ( 17:36 ): I move:
That this council—

  1. Acknowledges the 25th anniversary of the Australian Chinese Medical Association SA (ACMA-SA);
  2. Pays tribute to past and present presidents and committee members of ACMA-SA for their leadership and long-term commitment to support charitable causes, community programs and health care services for the South Australian community; and
  3. Highlights the achievements and contributions of ACMA-SA and the Australian-Chinese medical professionals made to Australia and South Australia.

Proclamation of South Australia Anniversary

30 June, 2017

The Hon. J.S. LEE ( 17:43 ): I move:
That this council —

  1. Acknowledges the historical significance of the 180th anniversary of the proclamation of South Australia; and 
  2. Highlights the major political, social and cultural milestones which have been achieved in South Australia over the last 180 years.

Overseas Chinese Association of South Australia

29 March, 2017

The Hon. J.S. LEE ( 17:42 ): I move:
That this council—

  1. Congratulates the Overseas Chinese Association of South Australia Inc. for celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2016;
  2. Acknowledges the work and commitment of the past and present committee, staff and volunteers of Overseas Chinese Association for delivering educational programs and important services to its members and the broader multicultural community of South Australia; and
  3. Recognises the wonderful contribution of the Chinese community in South Australia and OCA’s achievements in promoting Chinese language and cultures to enrich South Australia as a multicultural state.

Hong Kong, Australian Business Association

01 March, 2017

The Hon. J.S. LEE ( 16:48 ): I move: That this council -

  1. Congratulates the Hong Kong - Australia Business Association-SA Chapter (HKABA-SA) on achieving 15 successful years of its business awards program; 
  2. Acknowledges the wonderful work of current and past committee members in the development of strong economic and cultural ties with Hong Kong/China; 
  3. Recognises the economic and social contributions made by HKABA-SA to South Australian business and the multicultural community; and 
  4. Highlights the entrepreneurship and success stories of past award recipients and shines the spotlight on South Australian companies and organisations that are successfully trading in Hong Kong and China.