Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to mention the wonderful ceremony I participated in on Saturday, a citizenship ceremony, as part of Harmony Week celebrations. It took place at the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue, at Griffith University, where we were hosted by Dr Brian Adams. It was a wonderful ceremony with people from over 20 countries and 60-plus new Australians. Definitely, the best part of my job as a politician is to welcome people to Australia, to confirm that commitment to a strong multicultural Australia and the zest and economic opportunity that also comes from new Australians.

It was ably hosted by the MC, Lewis Lee OAM, who was conducting his 30th citizenship ceremony. I always love Lewis—I have been the presiding officer for many of these ceremonies and make the same jokes event after event, but he still laugh at my jokes. Also in attendance was Minister Mark Bailey and Duncan Pegg, representing the state government, and councillor Krista Adams from the Brisbane City Council. There were three levels of government working together to welcome these new Australians.

I welcome the fact that Griffith University took the time to host this wonderful event to kick off Harmony Week celebrations in our community. I look forward to future events with them.