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Irish Chamber

IACC Victorian Parliamentary Lunch

Date: 
Friday, June 12, 2015

IACC President, Colin Egan, summarises today's inaugural IACC Victorian Parliamentary Lunch where new opportunities for Irish Professionals & Irish Businesses in Australia featured alongside recognition of the significant positive influence of the Irish in Australia. 

At the inaugural IACC Victorian Parliamentary Lunch today, the story of Irish Australia’s positive contribution and achievements in Victorian and Australian life was shared from many perspectives.

Hosted by Frank McGuire MP and his colleague from the Parliamentary Friends of Ireland, David O’Brien MP this important event recalled some of the contributions made by the Irish to all aspects of Victorian and Australian life over the years.

Greeted on arrival by Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Leader of the Opposition, our guests were treated to views on Irish Australia from a diverse range of speakers including Dublin-born Victorian Treasurer Hon. Michael O’Brien MP, President of the Parliament Hon Bruce Atkinson who recalled his long standing support for the IACC through many years and Tim Pallas MP who reflected on the distinct advantage he enjoyed during his previous ministry by having a key member of his team with an Irish background.

We recognised Ireland’s cultural contribution in the week of “Bloomsday” with an insight into the world of James Joyce, shared by Frances Devlin-Glass to the music of the Diffident Fiddler.

During my address, I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak about how the recent media portrayal of the Irish in Australia was at odds with the experiences, real stories of achievement and contribution evident amongst those joining us in the room and beyond. 

However, the most important announcement of the day was when Sarah Mangan, Deputy Head of Mission at the Irish Embassy talked about the upcoming EI Trade Mission from Ireland which will commence in Melbourne in September. The opportunity to promote trade between our two countries is of distinct importance to the IACC and we are committed to supporting the Trade Mission and Enterprise Ireland in their efforts.

Our thanks go to our Sponsors and Corporate Members who joined us for lunch and to the Parliamentarians who hosted our group. We look forward to building this event in future years and are grateful for your continued support.

Colin Egan, IACC President

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