Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Engagement) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon to the Communists. It marks the 50th anniversary of the great exodus of Vietnamese people seeking safety and freedom, many of whom have found a home in Australia. It is a time to recognise the contribution our wonderful Australian Vietnamese community has made to our country over the last 50 years. It is in that context that I pay tribute to a great Australian Dr Cuong Trong Bui, the president of the Queensland chapter of the Vietnamese Community in Australia. He passed away just this month.

Dr Cuong Bui was an outstanding leader and an example for all Australians. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his outstanding community service. In 2022, he was elevated to become a Member of the Order of Australia. After his elevation to become a Member of the Order of Australia, I presented Dr Bui with a flag that had flown in this place. When he accepted that flag, Dr Bui accepted it on behalf of the entire Queensland Vietnamese community.

The regard in which Dr Bui was held by the Queensland community was reflected in the attendance at his funeral service on 15 March 2024. Hundreds and hundreds of people were in attendance—not only members of the Vietnamese community but also members of the wider community, including other multicultural communities who recognised Dr Bui's service which includes his service as a founding member of the Queensland Multicultural Council. Dr Cuong Bui and his family are part of that story, over the last 50 years, of the contribution made to our beautiful country by the Australian Vietnamese community.