I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Senator Tsebin Tchen, Member of the Australian Multicultural Council (AMC) and I write to express our condolences to his wife and his family.

Tsebin will be remembered by many for his contributions to a better, more inclusive Australia. As Australia’s first Chinese-born migrant elected to federal parliament, Tsebin was a pioneer for diversity in Parliament and a champion of multiculturalism.

The significant contributions that Tsebin made to multiculturalism in Australia in his capacity as a Senator, academic, and Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, as well as his role as a member of the Council remain a lasting legacy and inspiration for generations to come. Tsebin will be particularly remembered by the Council for his generous and kind nature and thoughtful contributions.

There will be a public memorial at Melbourne town hall on 18th December at 10am at which Dr Hass Dellal AO will represent the AMC.

Once again, I extend my condolences on Tsebin’s passing. He will be very much missed.