Confucius Institute

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (1 August 2019).

The Hon. J.S. LEE: As a first-generation migrant to Australia, it's a great honour to be elected to represent all South Australians. I am passionate about supporting an inclusive society and will continue to advocate for all communities.

When I agreed to be the parliamentary ambassador for Confucius Institute (Adelaide) along with other parliamentary colleagues, it is based on the understanding that the establishment of the Confucius Institute arose from the University of Adelaide's longstanding ties to Shandong University and the sister state relationship between Shandong Province and South Australia.

The University of Adelaide has advised me that the main role of the Confucius Institute remained unchanged—it is to engage in the promotion of Chinese language and cultural awareness.

As South Australia is home to migrants from over 200 countries, I understand the continuous importance of foreign languages and the cultural significance for building a vibrant intercultural society. In Australia, language studies are embraced by governments of all persuasions.

I have been advised that the Confucius Institute is a small unit that sits in the School of Social Sciences in the Faculty of Arts. Furthermore, the Confucius Institute director is a full-time employee of the University of Adelaide, who reports to the Head of Social Sciences.

In addition, I have been advised that under the contractual agreement, the director of the Confucius Institute is responsible for all activities and events of the Confucius Institute, and academic control of all approved activities of the Confucius Institute sits with the University of Adelaide. Lastly, I have been advised that the University of Adelaide has always complied with all FOI requests concerning the Confucius Institute.