Parliament of Australia
President of the Senate
Senator the Honourable Sue Lines
Media Release
10 October 2024
SENATE PRESIDENT TO LEAD FIRST PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO CHINA IN FIVE YEARS
Senator the Hon Sue Lines, President of the Australian Senate, will lead a cross-party parliamentary delegation to China this week.
The President accepted an invitation extended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his visit to Canberra in June, following the visit of National Peoples’ Congress Deputy Chair Tie Ning to Australia in August 2023.
The delegation will include deputy delegation leader Hon Karen Andrews MP, Mr Sam Lim MP, Ms Carina Garland MP, Mr Jerome Laxale MP, Mr Keith Wolahan MP and Ms Zali Steggall OAM MP.
The President and delegation will participate in high-level meetings, including with the National People’s Congress, and also undertake site visits and visit historic landmarks in China.
The delegation presents another opportunity for engagement with China at the highest levels on issues that matter to the Australian people. Parliamentary exchanges are important avenues for understanding the perspective of other countries and deepening people-to-people links.
The Albanese Labor government has been clear that dialogue with China is central to prosecuting our shared interests and managing our differences.
Senator Lines’ visit follows a number of high level visits and meetings between Australia and China, and reflects the progress made in stabilising the bilateral relationship.
Quotes attributed to Sen the Hon Sue Lines
“I look forward to the opportunity to visit China as a leader of the first parliamentary delegation in five years”
“Being a senator for Western Australia, I know how important the relationship between China and Australia is and the close community and cultural links we share”
“It’s very positive news for the Australian lobster industry, including fishermen in my home state of WA and for Chinese consumers who will have access to high-quality Australian rock lobsters”
[ENDS]
Media Contact: President of the Senate, Sofia Wilson – +61 437 084 054
