Australia China Business Council (Qld Branch) Chinese Lunar New Year Gala Dinner

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP;  Representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Cameron Dick MP; Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor for Runcorn Ward, Councillor Kim Marx; Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane, Dr Ruan Zongze and Madam Outang Hongbing; Australia China Business Council in Queensland President Mr Steve Abbott and CEO Mr Gerard Robb; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I also begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this evening.

A few weeks ago, Graeme and I attended a Chinese Lunar New Year event at the Brisbane Convention Centre, hosted by the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane.

This evening, we are truly delighted to continue the celebrations with all of you—the business community of Queensland—as part of the annual festivities that bring tremendous joy and inspiration to so many people in our State, and around the world.

The Wood Snake heralds renewed optimism, representing as it does, the qualities of confidence, determination, and the courage to overcome adversities—yet tempered by wisdom, intuition and tolerance, to promote growth and longevity.

It could be said that these very characteristics are symbolic of the enterprising spirit of the Chinese people in this State, who ever since they first arrived in Queensland in the late 1840s, have demonstrated how commitment, bravery, hard work—and of course, making the most of opportunities—leads to success.

Today, the influence and impact of China’s innovation and expertise underpins a strong and vibrant community that contributes so much to the fortunes of our state, and our nation.

The complexities, diversity and scope of business activities in our modern world require insightful leadership, and I am therefore immensely proud to be Patron of the Australia China Business Council Queensland Branch—an organisation that does so much to develop connections and build knowledge between our two countries.

With a national network of over 20,000 organisations, the Council is pivotal in promoting the advantages of economic cooperation through trade and investment.

Graeme and I saw first-hand the significance of fostering strong economic ties during our Vice-Regal visit to China last May. The trip highlighted the critical role of trade and investment in driving mutual growth, creating opportunities for collaboration across key sectors, and reinforcing the long-term economic relationship between Queensland and China.

Importantly, the Council, with support from the Chinese Consulate-General and various business groups and government entities, is promoting this deeper corporate understanding through a vibrant exchange of community and cultural experiences.

These essential bonds are defined by their strength and longevity, and I am delighted that the collaborative spirit required to sustain them is thriving in our State.

I commend the Council, and its supporters here tonight, for exemplifying not only the importance of resilience and tenacity but also the immense value of unity and collaboration.

As we look at the year ahead, I am confident these attributes will help strengthen the Queensland-Australia-China relationship, paving the way for even greater opportunities and positive outcomes in the future.

I wish you all an enjoyable evening, and a most prosperous and fulfilling 2025.