Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The green and gold were out in force in Leederville yesterday as the group Irish Families in Perth and the City of Vincent staged another brilliant St Patrick's Day parade and celebrated a heritage shared by so many Australians. Karen Hennessy and her team from Irish Families in Perth are part of the latest wave of Irish migrants to Australia. They have brought together with them those of us from earlier diasporas to celebrate our heritage.

The chief marshal for this year was an inspired choice—Andy Keogh, the Perth Glory striker. I have to say that when you are travelling in a vehicle with a Perth Glory star you get an idea about the relative value perhaps many of our constituents place on politicians compared to sporting stars! Andy was a great hit. It was fantastic to see so many young people, including people with Asian heritage, who came out—perhaps attracted by Andy—to become honorary Irish-Australians for the day. Good on you, Karen and all of your team. You do a wonderful job.