Australian Foreign Minister and Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Penny Wong, delivered a significant address at the gala dinner commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first Chinese students in Australia. The prestigious event, held at New South Wales Parliament House in Sydney on 5 March 2025, was organised by the Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australia-China Relations Foundation, and Universities Australia.
In her keynote speech, Minister Wong reflected on the remarkable changes that have occurred throughout the century-long history of Chinese students in Australia, noting how experiences have evolved dramatically over this period.
"It is remarkable to step back and think of the changes that have taken place over the course of the 100 years that we are celebrating today," Minister Wong said. "And to think of the different experiences of students through this period – some who stayed here in Australia and made it their home, and some who took their memories of Australia and lifelong connections back to China."
Sharing her perspective on historical challenges, Minister Wong referenced a 1965 ABC Four Corners interview where Chinese students spoke candidly about facing discrimination in Australia during a time when the White Australia Policy was still in effect. She acknowledged the different generations of Chinese students who have studied in Australia, including those who faced isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and in earlier periods.
Minister Wong emphasised Australia's multicultural identity as a source of both national pride and power, highlighting that half of the Australian population was born overseas or has a parent born overseas, with over one million Australians claiming Chinese heritage.
"This gives us profound advantages in a world where connections, cultural understanding, language, people-to-people links matter," she noted. "I can't think of any other country that matches our inherent ability to find common ground with the world's peoples because of who we are."
On Australia-China relations, Minister Wong reiterated the government's approach of "cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in the national interest," emphasising that stable relations benefit both countries and the broader region.
"We recognise that we have different systems and different values, but we are always better served if we can have dialogue," Minister Wong stated. She highlighted successes in education, climate action, and trade, where impediments to $20 billion worth of Australian exports have been lifted.
Minister Wong also addressed domestic politics, criticising those who attempt to use China as an election issue "regardless of the consequences" and pledging to push back against such approaches.
In concluding her address, the Foreign Minister acknowledged the contributions of the Australia-China Alumni Association and the broader alumni community, which includes educators, entrepreneurs, artists, and researchers.
"You represent many thousands of alumni... And importantly you are part of a 100-year journey of change – change to Australia here at home, and importantly a change to how we are seen in the world," she said.
The event brought together more than 80 leaders from government, business, and academia to celebrate this significant milestone in Australia-China educational relations and to recognise the substantial contributions Chinese students have made to Australian society over the past century.
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