Co-chair of the Korean Ministerial Consultative Committee (MCC) and Member for Strathfield, Charles Casuscelli RFD MP, welcomed the Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian MP to its June meeting held at Parliament House on Thursday 21 June 2012.
The Committee was excited that during a time when NSW was undergoing the most significant reform of the state's transport the Minister took time to discuss issues that are of importance to the Korean Community.
"Minister Berejiklian is one of the most courageous and determined Ministers to take on the very many challenges to fix transport in our state," Charles said. "She has achieved much in the brief period of time she has been on the job with the promise of more reform and improvements in our transport system.
"I am proud to be associated with this Government and to be a close friend of the Minister."
Minister Berejiklian was pleased with the opportunity to hold discussions with members of the Korean Ministerial Consultative Committee.
"I am delighted to see the hard work and dedication of Committees like yours that represent the interests of your community," Minister Berejiklian said. "I also have a growing Korean community in my electorate of Willoughby but nowhere as big as in Strathfield or Eastwood. I acknowledge the support and assistance from Charles in shaping transport policy in our state."
Minister Berejiklian gave both a presentation and hosted a question and answer time to allow the Korean representatives to decide which issues were discussed. International student safety on public transport, community transport, along with the issue of public transport travel concessions for international students were all key points of discussion.
Two members of the Korean Medical Students Association spoke to the Committee about a proposal to provide the Korean Community with general health advice at future events such as the Strathfield Spring Festival. The Committee agreed to support them.
The Committee also discussed a range of issues including:
- Major Korean events that should be supported by Government and the community.
- Korean Language education.
- Korean participation in the Sydney International Food Festival.
- NSW and Seoul Sister City Relationship.
- Korean Community Centre.
Charles thanked the members of the Committee for their contribution.
"I am extremely pleased with the commitment and energy expressed by members of this committee. I am confident that with their passion we will be able to raise the profile of the Korean culture to new levels" Charles concluded.