“I want to thank every Indian Australian, Every person who chooses to live in Australia,” Dr. Geoff Lee, MP, Member for Parramatta and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Western Sydney and Multiculturalism

Dr Geoff Lee, MP, Member for Parramatta and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Western Sydney and Multiculturalism, share his experience of visiting India, meeting different people, Indo-Aussie relations and a lot more in an Indus Age Exclusive interview taken on 18 April, 2018.

By Nidhi Kumari

What is the message that you want to give with your visit to India?

I think this is a fantastic opportunity to explore trade and culture. This is the first time that Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been to India. It shows the dedication. It shows great future between India and Australia.

What are the major announcements that have been made to foster trade relations between the two nations?

There are so many different things that India and Australia can learn from each other. We both are very good at what we do, but there is so much more we can work together.

Today we looked at commercialisation and expansion of an app that originated in NSW in the healthcare sector in Australia in the healthcare sector, in Australia, we are looking to help people in India, looking at diabetes and how to manage it.

How do you look at India Australia relations?

Australia and India have never been greater friends, we welcome every Indian that wants to become Australian, we both are great contributors, we are great friends, great trading relations, cultural experiences are great, fastest current segment in migration. I look after Harris Park, the greatest source of migrants it’s such a great time, to start a business, start a family, get a job, involve in education.

What is your message for both the Indian and Australian community?

I want to thank every Indian Australian, every person who chooses to live in Australia. It’s a hard thing to leave your home, your community, your family, business all those context we often take for granted.

I was born in Australia , I have never had the opportunity, but for everybody who chooses Australia, isn’t that fantastic?

You want to become Australian and we embrace and that’s what gives us strength of a diverse group of people that we are proud of  but equally proud of our heritage.

Any Hindi word that you learnt:

I am terrible with languages. I am half Chinese and I know only 3 words Ni Hao, Xie Xie and Bye Bye.

But for my Gujarati colleagues and Gujarati community I have to say, Kem Cho, Aav jo and Maja Maa (smiles).