Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to the Vietnamese Australian community, highlighting their resilience, contributions, and role in shaping modern Australia during a speech at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne.
Addressing a gathering of community members and veterans, Albanese acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who fled Vietnam, saying their courage helped secure freedom and opportunity not only for themselves but for future generations. He also recognised the leadership of women within the community, noting their role in sustaining culture and fostering cohesion.
“In so many ways, whether it is intergenerational care, caring for your elderly, or making sure that your culture is handed down to young boys and girls, the AVWA [Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association] has been the backbone of your community,” Albanese said.
“In the process, you’ve added strength and cohesion to our country, and for that, we owe you our gratitude.”
The Prime Minister reflected on the broader significance of migration to Australia, noting that, aside from First Nations people, all Australians are either migrants or descendants of migrants.
“And it’s important to acknowledge that with the exception of First Nations people, we are all either migrants or descendants of migrants. .”
He emphasised the enduring importance of multiculturalism and warned against attempts to revert to exclusionary policies of the past.
“Some, including in political life, want to turn back the clock to an Australia that is no longer who we are. We need to call out those people and continue to cherish our diversity as a strength for our nation.”
He highlighted the Vietnamese community’s journey from refugees arriving with little to now holding vital roles across Australian society, from healthcare to education and construction. Albanese described their story as an “inspirational success” and a testament to how migration strengthens social cohesion.
The event, part of the “Culture Connects Us All” celebration, featured traditional performances, national dress, and Vietnamese cuisine, symbolising the contribution of migrant communities to Australia’s social and cultural fabric.
Albanese concluded by reflecting on the privilege of serving as Prime Minister and on the ongoing collective effort of Australians to build a stronger, inclusive nation.
“Australia gave people safe haven, and in return, they gave this country strength,” he said.
“We should not take it for granted, and we should be proud of who we are as Australians, enriched by the cultures that surround us.”
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