STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr NEUMANN (Blair) (16:43): On Saturday, I was delighted to attend the Nepalese Association of Queensland, or NAQ, multicultural celebration. This is a 20-year milestone for the organisation, and it was terrific to welcome so many people on the occasion. I congratulate President Tikaram Sarma and everyone associated with the Nepalese Association of Queensland.

There were so many people there from Ripley, Spring Mountain, Springfield Central and Springfield Lakes in my electorate. Congratulations also those individuals who got the Queensland excellence awards. I want to thank the NAQ for having me there and congratulate them for their wonderful contribution and on the launch of the publication Nepalese in Queensland, which documents the history, achievements and contribution of the Nepalese community to not just the local community but the state of Queensland.

Of course Australia continues to support Nepal's recovery and rebuilding. I congratulate the Albanese government on the $26 million we provided for immediate response efforts. The NAQ recently wrote to me and other Queensland MPs to thank the government for the support.

President Tikaram Sarma wrote that the compassion, solidarity and support extended to those affected by the flood was deeply appreciated. A roundtable was held recently with Assistant Minister Julian Hill with the Ripley Nepalese association in my community, and this was reinforced once again. Congratulations to the Nepalese Association of Queensland on a wonderful milestone last Saturday night.