Xin nian kuai le.
Gong hei fat choy!
I’m delighted to be with you all again, back at this magnificent festival for another year.
Here in Box Hill this weekend – and at so many Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year celebrations around our country, families, friends and communities are coming together to share in centuries of tradition.
We gather to welcome the Year of the Snake in a spirit of joy, surrounded by vibrant colour and energy.
We look forward together with optimism for the new opportunities that a new year brings.
And we wish each other good fortune in all that matters most: our happiness, health, family and prosperity.
Chinese culture has enriched Australia and broadened our horizons.
And the contribution of the Chinese Australian community is something to celebrate every day of the year.
Because whenever I’m in this part of Melbourne, I meet young people, studying hard to make the best of themselves.
I talk with small business owners, working hard, creating jobs and supporting their families.
I speak to parents and grandparents who have come to Australia from different places but all driven by the same determination: making sure their children and grandchildren get a better life.
These values of family, hard work and aspiration at the heart of this community - and they have helped write the Australian story.
And just as you have made this city and our country a better place, your ties of family and tradition have strengthened Australia’s connections to our region as well.
Our Government has worked hard to stabilise Australia's relationship with China.
This means that families in Shanghai and Beijing sitting down to enjoy a meal together can enjoy Australian beef and Australian lobster again.
There will be friends exchanging gifts of Australian cherries.
And there will be people toasting the Year of the Snake, with the best wine in the world.
We’ve restored that trade and rebuilt our dialogue.
I had the honour of being the first Australian Prime Minister to visit China in seven years – and Australia then hosted the first visit by a Chinese Premier in 7 years.
In all of this work, the Chinese Australian community have been powerful ambassadors and vital contributors.
Better than anyone, you understand how important this is - and you know we cannot afford to turn back.
I will never take your community, or your contribution to our nation, for granted.
Because it’s the job of leaders to uphold our social cohesion in the national interest – not undermine it in search of political advantage.
Many of you would know that last year UNESCO officially recognised Chinese New Year as part of the cultural heritage of all humanity.
And celebrations such as this are absolutely part of Australia’s cultural heritage, the fabric and identity of our country.
I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring this year’s event together.
Congratulations to all the volunteers and staff, led by the President of the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse, Bihong Wang.
Our Government wants to help you make this festival even bigger and even better in the future.
Today I am pleased to announce that our Labor Government will be providing $150,000 over the next three years towards this Festival.
This will help transform Bank Street, meaning more local businesses can be part of this event – and more people from all over Melbourne can join these iconic celebrations.
I wish you all a great day and a safe and happy Year of the Snake.