Government pays tribute to Eddie Liu

Premier Campbell Newman has paid tribute to leading Chinese identity, Eddie Liu, as one of the most influential figures to lead the multicultural growth of Brisbane and Queensland.

Mr Newman said the passing of the man known as the Father of Brisbane’s Chinatown, aged 91, will be deeply felt not just by the city’s Chinese community but also by the many thousands of people whose lives he touched.

“As Lord Mayor of Brisbane, I had the privilege to get to know Eddie very well,” Mr Newman said.

“He was a passionate and incessant advocate for Chinatown, the Chinese inhabitants of Queensland and the City of Brisbane which had been his home since he moved here in 1937 at the age of 14.

“Eddie was a regular sight for members of the Chinese Club of Queensland, where he had been the honorary secretary and driving force for more than half a century.

“I send my condolences to his friends and to his family and he will be sorely missed.”

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said it was clear to anyone who met Eddie that he was a man of determination and enthusiasm.

“At any gathering where Eddie was present, it was obvious that he was held in high esteem by people from all over the state, regardless of their cultural background,” Mr Elmes said.

“Eddie didn’t seek preferential treatment for Chinese people; all he sought was recognition, acceptance and a fair go in the best Australian tradition.

“He was regarded with a degree of reverence within the Chinese community, and will be sadly missed.”

Dr Liu’s contribution to Queensland was recognised many times including receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1991, Senior Citizen of the Year (Australia Day, 2007), Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2004, Honorary Ambassador for Queensland for Australia Day (2008) and being named a Queensland Great in 2010.

[ENDS] 26 June 2013

Media Contact:          Premier’s Office 3224 4500

                                    Peter McCarthy (Minister) 0408 835 548