TED O’BRIEN MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX
TRANSCRIPT
DOORSTOP
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Tuesday 11 August, 2026
Topics: National unity, Chinese diaspora, Australian values
E&OE…………………………………………………………………………………………
Ted O'Brien
We need a more united country, and that means we need to ensure that we are speaking to all Australians. There are some Australians, especially Mandarin-speaking Australians, who struggle with the English language. Now, while improving proficiency is important, what's more important is to unite the nation. You can unite the nation around a common set of values, and so I made the decision to start speaking in Mandarin in some videos, talking directly to Chinese Australians about the importance of those values.
Journalist
Is this a concession that the Liberal Party needs to build ties with the Chinese community in Australia?
Ted O'Brien
This is a concession that Australia, unfortunately, sees social cohesion fraying, and I don't believe we are seeing the leadership necessary from the Albanese government to unite Australians. That is why I'm taking this action to ensure that I'm speaking to at least that part of the Chinese diaspora community, but it's not just about Chinese Australians. It's about all Australians. You know, we are so fortunate to live in this country, and it doesn't matter from where you've come. It doesn't matter your religion, your ethnicity. We are all Australians because we share a set of values of freedom, of equality, of the fair go, and that's part of the message that I'm sending to all Australians.
Journalist
Thanks. And finally, what do you say to those voters who back Pauline Hanson's push for the focus to be on speaking English?
Ted O'Brien
Look, I'll let others speak for their own policies. My view is this: Australians need to be united. We need to be united under our flag, and of course, we have one national language, being English. It is important that all Australians can speak in English, not just for the sake of the nation, but for their own sake. But we also have to be realistic. Today, there are many Australians who are struggling with the English language. We can't have them left out. That's not the way to unite a nation. You unite a nation by including everyone. And as people get their proficiency improved, get their language skills up. They need to know that they are still absolutely a part of the Australian family. We are lucky, because I believe Australia is the greatest country in the world.
