Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Jin Sun-mee, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to Australia Day – “Australian Open” in Seoul.
Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian; our principles of fairness; our robust democracy; our amazing quality of life.
Tonight’s theme – “Australian Open” in Seoul, reflects Australia’s core values of inclusiveness and diversity.
We are celebrating today Australia’s openness to Korea, the region and the world.
Australia is a multicultural nation that continues to grow and prosper.
We are open to innovation and trade.
We have achieved 27 years of continuous economic growth – a world record.
Australia remains a close and long-standing friend of Korea.
Our bilateral relationship is strong, based on our extensive economic and political ties, and deep people-to-people links.
Tonight’s theme – “Australian Open” also recognises the role that the “Australian Open” Tennis Grand Slam tournament has played in bringing Australia and Korea closer together.
It was on Australia Day 2018 that Korean tennis player, Chung Hyeon, reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open, inspiring fans from Australia, Korea and around the world.
So tonight, I have the pleasure of bringing the “Australian Open” to Seoul.
Please enjoy the Australian Open semi-final game tonight broadcast live from Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
And Cheong Hyun will shortly be conveying a personal message to everyone here tonight.
I also have the pleasure of appointing tonight Park Ha-sun and Ryu Suyoung as Good Will Ambassadors for Australia.
They represent a generation of young, dynamic Koreans who embody the values of contemporary Australia.
I look forward to working with them in building closer ties between Australia and Korea.
I also must recognise Sam Hammington for his role in promoting Australia in Korea. He is here tonight with another great Australian Ambassador, his son William.
Thank you also to Nat Conway, Lisa Chung and Kyu Lee. We are honoured to have them perform for us tonight.
Of course, an Australian celebration should always be accompanied by great Australian food and beverages. Please take the opportunity tonight to have a “Taste of Australia”.
An event like this would not possible be possible without sponsors.
Thank you to Macquarie Group, tonight’s platinum sponsor, and our other Gold and Silver sponsors, and event supporters.
I also thank the Australian Chamber of Commerce and their sponsors, and the Australian and New Zealand Association Korea, for their vital role in building the Australia and Korea relationship.
It’s our pleasure to host this event tonight. Please enjoy Australia Day – “Australian Open” in Seoul.