VIETNAMESE VETERANS' ASSOCIATION

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (17:31): I move:

That this council acknowledges the important contribution the Vietnamese Veterans' Association of South Australia makes in commemorating and remembering significant dates in the history of the former Republic of South Vietnam.

Members will recall that earlier this year I was appointed shadow minister assisting the shadow minister for multicultural affairs, the member for Waite and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly. I assist him in a number of areas and I have enjoyed that role, particularly with regard to the Vietnamese Veterans' Association of South Australia. Since being appointed I have forged quite a close working relationship with members of this association, in particular the President, Mr Tay Van Nguyen. We have got on extremely well and developed a close relationship.

Those in the association have great passion for their country, and many fought gallantly to serve and protect it and it is a great honour to be part of their commemorations. The Vietnamese Veterans' Association takes a huge amount of pride in the history of its members, and rightly so. It was at a recent commemoration for the Fall of Saigon that I was able to witness and take part in the association's remembrance of their fallen comrades who sacrificed their lives in the fight for freedom. This event marked the end of the Vietnam War and end of the Republic of South Vietnam, as well as the end of a 21-year struggle against Communist forces.

We can now see, as I am sure many members if not all have seen, the major memorial at the Torrens Parade Ground to the Vietnam conflict. The statue of an Australian and a Vietnamese soldier alongside one another is a constant reminder to the Vietnamese community of the proud manner in which their nation fought and the comradeship between the Vietnamese and Australian people and the soldiers who fought side by side. This comradeship has carried on as South Australians embraced the accomplishments and individual contribution of the Vietnamese community to South Australia. The association represents a greater community of Vietnamese people who have transformed extreme hardship into great opportunities within the democratic society of South Australia, a feat that all South Australians must commend, as we are all very proud of their contribution.

I further commend the Vietnamese Veterans' Association on involving the South Australian community in commemorating the important significant events in their country's history. Involvement in these events, such as mine in the Vietnamese New Year celebration and the Fall of Saigon commemoration, is vitally important in developing an appreciation and awareness of the origins and values of our multicultural community. In advocating a multicultural policy, which promotes a greater unity and understanding, it is very important for our state's leaders to remain involved in these types of events. The association demonstrates a great commitment to Australia, while maintaining pride in its national heritage. I thank the Vietnamese Veterans' Association for honouring me with this ongoing involvement in events that are so significant to their heritage, and I look forward to developing the relationship over the years to come.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.M. Gazzola.

At 17:35 the council adjourned until Tuesday 29 July 2008 at 14:15.