Overseas Chinese Association of South Australia

Adjourned debate on motion of the Hon. J. S. Lee:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Overseas Chinese Association of South Australia Inc. for celebrating its 35^th 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.

(Continued from 29 March 2017.)

The Hon. T.T. NGO (16:36): I rise on behalf of the government to support this motion. Historical census data tells us that 125 years ago there were more than 4,000 Chinese-born residents in South Australia. During those early years the Chinese community had a big impact on the state in a number of areas, including commerce, retailing, market gardening and the copper mines, just to name a few.

The White Australia policy unfortunately led to a dramatic decline in the Chinese-Australian community. Today, however, South Australia is once again the beneficiary of a strong Chinese community, which is amongst the largest of the migrant communities in our state. From the early 1980s there was steady growth in the South Australian Chinese community. Over the last decade the community has grown rapidly. At the 2011 census almost 16,000 South Australians were born in China, an increase from approximately 8,000 at the previous census. Since the 2011 census approximately 8,000 more Chinese have settled in our great state.

South Australia also benefits from having almost 13,000 Chinese international students in Adelaide. Of course, the South Australian Chinese community has not necessarily migrated to Australia from China. Like the South Australian Chinese community, members of the Overseas Chinese Association reflect the global Chinese diaspora, coming from Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and other Asian countries, as well as from mainland China itself. This is one of the many great strengths of the association.

Over the last three and a half decades the Overseas Chinese Association has responded to the changing and rapidly growing needs and circumstances of the diverse South Australian Chinese community. The association has delivered, and continues to deliver, a range of services, including low-income support, English classes, respite care, disability support, employment programs, aged-care support, youth programs and problem gambling services. The association also runs the largest Chinese school in South Australia, as well as organising regular activities, including its youth group, a new arrival information service, the Lion and Dragon Dance Group, Tai Chi, folk dancing, community meals and the active women's group.

The Chinese community has earned the respect of the government and the people of South Australia through the actions of the Chinese migrants who came, and continue to come, to this state with courage and determination to create new and better opportunities for their children and their grandchildren. These migrants have achieved a great deal in South Australia. Their achievements are the result of hard work by whole families, a determination to keep going against the odds and a willingness to help each other out when in need.

The South Australian government recognises and admires those outstanding qualities. We also recognise the South Australian Chinese community's resolve and endeavour to maintain, share and pass on all the best of the Chinese values and traditions. Chinese migrants established the Overseas Chinese Association, as well as other organisations and institutions that continue to welcome new arrivals, support the community and sustain the language, culture and traditions that define the diverse Chinese community. The South Australian government recognises and applauds the achievements of the Overseas Chinese Association, which has benefited and continues to benefit the community as a whole.

The Chinese community has made a major contribution to almost every facet of life in our state: trade, business, education, the professions, hospitality, and so the list goes on. Through the influence and efforts of the Chinese community and Overseas Chinese Association, South Australia is wealthier, wiser and happier. None of this would have been possible without the superb leadership of the presidents and executive committees, and the tireless and skilled contribution of the staff and volunteers over many years.

I would like to congratulate the Overseas Chinese Association on its 35^th anniversary. I hope the association celebrates many more anniversaries. With that, I fully support this motion.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:42): I would like to thank the Hon. Tung Ngo for his contribution in support of this motion. I think it is great to allow all of us the opportunity to congratulate the Overseas Chinese Association of South Australia for celebrating its 35^th anniversary and to acknowledge the work and commitment of all the past and present committee, staff and volunteers for their great contribution. With that, I commend the motion.

Motion carried.