On the evening of February 4, TECO hosted a farewell and appreciation reception at the Australian Parliament for the Co-Chair of the Australia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Federal MP Graham Perrett. A commemorative crystal trophy inscribed with "Everlasting Friendship" was presented to honor his long-standing support for Taiwan and his contributions to strengthening Australia-Taiwan relations.
The event was attended by more than 30 Members of Parliament, including Minister for Trade Don Farrell, Assistant Minister for Education and Assistant Minister for Agriculture Anthony Chisholm, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sharon Clayton, and Deputy President of the Senate Andrew McLachlan. The atmosphere was warm and filled with camaraderie.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hsu praised MP Perrett for his nearly two decades of outstanding service in the Australian Parliament. He highlighted Perrett’s dedication as Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, which has played a crucial role in fostering closer ties between Australia and Taiwan. He also emphasized that as Australia assumes the rotating chairmanship of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this year, its support is vital for Taiwan’s accession. Taiwan’s inclusion in the CPTPP would bring economic benefits and promote regional economic integration, aligning with Australia's broader interests.
MP Perrett expressed pride in being a steadfast friend of Taiwan and highlighted his strong connections with the many Taiwanese constituents in his Brisbane electorate. He reiterated that Taiwan is an important economic and trade partner for Australia, sharing common values of democracy and freedom. He also noted that Taiwan has consistently received bipartisan support in the Australian Parliament. The Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, MP Scott Buchholz, acknowledged MP Perrett’s dedication and unwavering support for Taiwan, pledging that the Friendship Group would continue working closely with the Taipei Office to further strengthen Australia-Taiwan relations.
The reception coincided with the first sitting day of the Australian Parliament this year. Despite a busy parliamentary schedule with multiple events on the same evening, many senior parliamentarians attended, demonstrating their strong friendship and support for Taiwan.
