Fiona Martin (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

2021 marks 60 years of Australia-Korea diplomatic relations. Australia is home to approximately 170,000 Koreans, and our two countries are strong economic, political and strategic partners. I represent an electorate which is home to over 12,000 Australians of Korean ancestry and know firsthand the benefits that Korean Australians provide to our country.

Our two countries are fortunate to have great people-to-people links through many dedicated and generous community organisations. The Korean Society of Sydney advocates for friendship, unity and the interests of Korean Australians and is representative of Korean Australian society and government. The Australia-Korea Political and Business Forum is a leading bilateral organisation fostering friendship and understanding between Australian and Korean business communities. The Republic of Korea is Australia's fourth-largest two-way trading partner, and the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement has strengthened that relationship. We also hold strong defence ties as the only country other than the United States to hold a two-plus-two ministerial meeting with Korea.

The Korean values of harmony and respect fit perfectly into the Australian way of life. I enjoy very much working with the Australian Korean community in my electorate of Reid and I look forward to encouraging stronger links between Australia and Korea.