Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There is much to say about how we, as a nation, have succeeded on the global stage. We think about sporting achievements and great moments in history that have hinged on the involvement of Australians. Recently I spoke about how General Monash changed the course of World War I. Because so many of us were born here or grew up here, too often we underestimate the importance of our ideas and ideals in the world. We take for granted those things that just happen. We take our social norms and regulations for granted. Yet now we are seeing that one of our most important exports is our ideas.

Just today a company in my electorate that is better known for providing health supplements to millions of Australians, that has in recent times made itself a household name in China, had a glorious honour bestowed upon it: Blackmores has been announced today as vice president company of the China Quality Inspection Association, the first foreign company to be appointed to such a role in China. While some will see this primarily as a victory for Blackmores and their dedicated team led by Christine Holgate, others may see it as just a recognition of the Northern Beaches business community. I prefer to see it as an affirmation that we live in one of the great countries of the world. I wish Peter Osborne from Blackmores, who has been appointed personally to the association, the best of luck in his new role.