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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2021-09-08 Daily Xml
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His Excellency Hieu Van Le, AC

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:25): I rise to thank our recently retired 35th Governor, His Excellency the Hon. Hieu Van Le, AC, and his wife, Mrs Lan Le, for their dedicated service to the people and communities of South Australia. They were two Vietnamese refugees who, in 1977, arrived in Darwin in one of the first few boats to reach Australia after the fall of Saigon.

I stand here today proud to be a member of the Labor Party, the party that made Mr Le's historic appointment. I say historic, as Mr Le was regarded as the first Vietnamese-born person in the world who had been appointed to a vice-regal position. So 1 September 2014 was a significant day, a day that showed the world that South Australia was truly a multicultural society. On the day of Mr Le's appointment, Labor Premier Jay Weatherill said and I quote:

Mr Le has a story of great significance to South Australia—from arriving as a boat person in 1977, advancing his education, establishing a family, rising through the ranks of business and community leadership...He has already demonstrated an outstanding level of service to the community, and I have no doubt that he will serve the role with great distinction.

I know the majority of South Australians will agree that Mr Le served our state with great distinction during his seven years as Governor and seven years in his role as Lieutenant-Governor. I would like to share some of what Mr Le said on that day he became South Australia's 35th Governor. His words at the time of his appointment reflect some of his finest attributes as a person: his humility, integrity and his passion for his new home in Australia. I quote:

This appointment, however, says much more about our society than about me—it sends a powerful message affirming our inclusive and egalitarian society. At the same time, this appointment represents a powerful symbolic acknowledgement of the contributions that all migrants and refugees have made and are continuing to make to our State. I strongly believe that this appointment also sends a positive message to people in many countries in the world, and in particular, our neighbouring countries in Asia Pacific region, of the inclusive and vibrant multicultural society of South Australia.

During his time as Governor, Mr Le travel to the regions and more remote parts of South Australia, allowing him to experience local Aboriginal culture. A great strength of Mr Le was that he never lost sight of the big picture that connected to his work, looking out for the disadvantaged people in our communities and his tireless and passionate support for South Australia's diverse multicultural community.

Mr Le used his position to serve all South Australians as best as he could. He never overlooked his humble beginnings and the personal challenges that he and his wife faced as refugees in the country they now fondly call home. They opened their home at Government House, warmly welcoming people from all walks of life. Mr Le travelled to all corners of this state visiting many organisations and communities, such as charitable organisations, schools, hospitals and many arts, cultural and historical places.

His Excellency's term as our Governor may have come to an end, but I do know he will continue working with and supporting the people of South Australia. Thank you to the Governor on behalf of my family, the Vietnamese community not only in Australia but around the world, many diverse communities, everyone in this chamber and the other house. We appreciate the contribution you have made to the state.

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