Chuc mung nam moi.
I’m delighted to be here and to share in these celebrations with you.
I am proud to be only the second prime minister to be here following the Labor Prime Minister, Julia Gillard,
And very pleased that my friend and our fantastic Labor candidate for Fowler, Tu Le, is joining me on stage and has offered to translate my remarks.
I acknowledge Chris Bowen, Anne Stanley, Dai Le and all the other federal and state parliamentarians who have the great privilege of representing this wonderful part of Sydney and Australia.
Tet is a time where we look forward with optimism for everything the new year holds.
We wish each other happiness, prosperity, good health and good luck.
Tet is also time for celebrating family – and honouring ancestors.
This year, in particular, we join in honouring the first generation of Vietnamese migrants.
Men, women and children who came to Australia in search of a new home 50 years ago, and settled in this local Cabramatta community, but also in my local home of Marrickville.
People who came here seeking a better life for themselves and their families, refugees who were welcomed here, and in doing so have made this a better country for us all.
Working hard and studying hard to make the best of themselves.
Starting businesses, creating jobs, building communities, looking after others.
Enriching every part of our national life, and strengthening the social cohesion that makes Australia at its best, a beacon to the world.
This is the inspirational success story of the Vietnamese Australian community.
A story written by aspiration and determination.
And a story as rich in history and as full of joy and energy as this famous festival.
I want to recognise and thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring this magnificent event together for another year.
The New South Wales chapter of the Vietnamese Community of Australia do an extraordinary job.
And I am pleased to announce that a Labor Government will provide $150,000 over the next three years to help you make this iconic celebration even bigger and even better into the future.
I wish you and your loved ones a great celebration and a safe, happy and healthy Year of the Snake.