Senator DUNIAM (Tasmania—Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism) (15:49): I seek leave to make a short statement. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator DUNIAM: The government agrees that all Australians have a right to enjoy equal rights and be treated with equal respect, regardless of race, colour, creed or origin. Australia is a strong and robust liberal democracy with one of the world's most open and thriving multicultural societies. Australia owes its strength and prosperity in no small part to the economic and social contributions of successive generations of migrants coming to our shores. The Australian government proudly acknowledges Chinese Australians' strong cultural, social and economic contributions to Australian life. Our nation has greatly benefited from the contribution made by people of Chinese heritage, many of whom have distinguished themselves in all walks of life including business, medicine, education and, indeed, politics.