Highlights
- Liberal candidate for Moreton Steven Huang emigrated from Taiwan with his family at age 12
- Mr Huang couldn't speak English as a new migrant and learned at high school
- Despite being a highly multicultural division, Moreton has never had an overseas-born representative
Mr Huang has a big battle on his hands in the federal seat, which has been held by the ALP’s Graham Perrett since 2007.
Mr Perrett held on to the seat with a margin of around 3.5 per cent after the 2019 poll in which there was a two per cent swing away from the ALP.
At final count, he won the seat by just 3500 votes from the then Liberal-National candidate Angela Owen.
“I learned to speak English at schools here in the Moreton electorate,” Mr Huang said.
“As a person who has had to fight for a voice in the community all my life, I came to realise early on that politics was the way to have your say and get things done.”
He said that despite being one of Australia’s most multicultural seats, Moreton had never had a federal representative born overseas.
“I don't want to be seen as only an Asian or multicultural candidate, but I certainly think that's an added perspective that I can bring to the role,” Mr Huang said.
Mr Huang's family shortly after arriving from Taiwan. He is second from the right. Source: Steven Huang
“And I will always encourage all Australians – whether they were born here or somewhere else – to get involved in our political system."
It can be daunting to get involved in political discussions – especially if you are from a culture where expressing a political opinion can be dangerous – but this is how we get things done.
Parliament should reflect modern Australia: Graham Perrett
Mr Perrett acknowledged that Moreton was a multicultural seat, and that the cultural mix was constantly changing.
"I think it’s important our Parliament looks like modern Australia – no matter what your postcode is, where your parents were born, how much is in your bank account or who you pray to," he said.
Sitting member for Moreton, the ALP's Graham Perrett, acknowledges the division's multiculturalism. Source: Graham Perrett
"We should always keep working to make sure that our Parliament reflects the faces that make up modern Australia, at all levels of politics.
"I’d encourage people in Moreton to get involved in politics, and the local Labor Party branches certainly reflect their increasing interest. That’s a really great thing.”
Mr Perrett said that if re-elected he would continue to lobby for better infrastructure in the division, including the Coopers Plains Rail Crossing.
“I want to make sure that locals are properly consulted on Inland Rail," he said.
"Local infrastructure like the pedestrian overpass in Mains Road, Sunnybank, is in need of repair and an Albanese Labor Government will repair and revitalise the bridge, giving Sunnybank an iconic, cultural landmark at the same time."
Mr Perrett said he was also committed to protecting the natural environment and, under an Anthony Albanese Labor government, a fauna crossing would be built to protect koalas and other wildlife in the Toohey Forest, a sprawling national park which falls within the Moreton division.
The Division of Moreton was created in 1901 and covers an area of around 109 square kilometres and 21 suburbs.
ALP Member for Moreton Graham Perrett talks to students on the Griffith University campus which is in the electorate. Source: Graham Perrett
With almost 110,000 eligible voters, it is a very multicultural seat with suburbs such as Sunnybank comprised of 30 per cent of people identifying as having Chinese ancestry and almost 20 per cent born in mainland China.
Neighbouring Sunnybank Hills is also a very multicultural suburb with 46.7 per cent of people born in Australia, compared to the national average of 69.8 per cent and the next most common countries of birth being mainland China (10.5 per cent) and Taiwan (6.6 per cent).
Local government is closest to the people: Steven Huang
After completing his education at Runcorn State High School and the University of Queensland, Mr Huang was elected as the councillor for the McGregor Ward on the Brisbane City Council.
“It's often said that local government is the layer of government closest to the people, and I think that's true,” he said.
“My experience as a local councillor has given me the knowledge of all the local community groups, and the skills to engage with them.
Mr Huang says he really got to know his community during his time as a Brisbane City councillor for the McGregor Ward. Source: Steven Huang
“So, I have always been very involved in politics, and this is why I am asking to be the fresh voice that Moreton needs – someone who understands the community and can bring a fresh perspective to many of the challenges we face."
Mr Huang said his key plans for Moreton should he be elected were local job creation, fighting for an upgrade to the QEII Hospital into a teaching and research centre and a faster transition to electric cars.
“I will work with the Coalition Government to maintain our strong economy and continue our recovery too,” he said.
“…because I know as a member of a small business migrant family that everything else flows from having the right economic opportunities.”
