 Queensland Chinese Forum 昆士蘭華人論壇 |
History
In the last thirty years, the population of Chinese migrants and Chinese Australians settling in Queensland has increased substantially. During the same time, over thirty community associations and organizations have been formed within different sectors of the Chinese community to look after the interest and welfare of their members.
In spite of their varied objectives and activities, majority of the Chinese community associations support the idea that there should be a body which can represent the Chinese community when important issues affecting the whole community arise and need to be addressed. Resources and energy can also be pooled and channeled effectively for activities and initiatives benefiting all members of the Chinese community.
The Council of Chinese Organisations of Queensland was first proposed in 1984 by several Chinese ethnic community leaders and an interim committee was set up as the preparatory group. The Council was renamed as the Liaison Committee of Chinese Organisations of Queensland in 1987 and later as the Queensland Chinese Forum (the Forum) when it was formally constituted in 1994 with seven member associations and incorporated in January 1995.
In late 1996, in response to mounting public debate on multiculturalism and racial discrimination, the Forum established a special Task Force to work out long term strategies for promoting racial harmony and social cohesion in Queensland and Australia.
The Forum represents its members on general matters and issues which are of mutual concern to the Chinese community in Queensland whilst individual member associations retain full autonomy in the management of their own activities and affairs.