MATTERS OF INTEREST

MULTICULTURALISM

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:27): I rise today to speak about the many multicultural festivals and celebrations in Adelaide in the last six weeks. There is no doubt that 2012 has had a robust beginning with a stream of events happening across South Australia: the Blessing of the Waters ceremony; the annual Greek Festival at Glenelg; many Australia Day celebrations; Lunar New Year festivities celebrated by the Chinese, Vietnamese and Asian communities; and the Carnevale Italian festival that was held last weekend. All in all what a great showcase of multiculturalism and the wonderful diversity of our state!

I thank the Leader of the Opposition, Isobel Redmond, in the other place for appointing me as Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs in December last year. This appointment has enabled me to expand my passion and involvement with the multicultural communities in this state. It is a great privilege to be invited by community organisations to their events. I take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to all those who have invited politicians and welcomed me and other members of parliament to their functions.

Many honourable members know that the Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festival in the Chinese Lunar Calendar among Chinese communities across the world. It is celebrated for 15 days. I know we like to party sometimes, don't we? Due to the vibrant Chinese, Vietnamese and Asian communities living in South Australia, I had the great pleasure to attend many wonderful Lunar New Year events.

We are incredibly fortunate to be living in a multicultural society in South Australia where we share and embrace different cultures and traditions. I believe traditions are an important part of family and community life. How wonderful it is to see the Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek, Italian and so many rich cultural traditions being integrated and celebrated here in our state. I express my thanks and pay tribute to all the event organisers and community organisations for keeping their traditional cultures alive to enrich the wonderful diversity of the state.

When I look at the list of events I attended in the last six weeks, and also a citizenship ceremony I attended on Australia Day, I reflected on the values of being an Australian and what makes us great and, more importantly, what makes us proud to be Australians. Nothing better describes the commitment and contributions made by so many migrants than the second part of the second phrases of our national anthem. I would just like to state them here:

For those who've come across the seas

We've boundless plains to share

With courage let us all combine

To Advance Australia Fair.

Today, I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak about our vibrant multicultural state in the first week of a new parliament.

This year we welcome the 'Year of the Black Water Dragon'. According to Chinese astrology, this is going to be a fast moving year because of the flamboyant nature of the dragon. This will be advantageous times to begin new projects. The dragon gives happiness and success to all good and honest people—honest. This year will reward those who are enterprising and have great talent!

While the dragons are clever, bright and sharp people, they have big mouths and their words can overrun their thoughts. Very interesting. I think Premier Jay Weatherill might be a dragon. I think he said that. With those words of wisdom, I look forward to working with honourable members to advance South Australia and make the best of 2012.