From Councillor to Member of Parliament

Hon Tung Ngo MLC

After the Civil war in Vietnam finished in 1975, many Vietnamese people, including Tung Ngo’s family were prosecuted from the new Government due to their political options and backgrounds. In 1981, nine-year-old Tung Ngo fled Vietnam with his sister and her young family. They all were cramped up with 31 others on a four-meter long fishing boat, sailing towards an unknown destination. 

At sea, the poor tiny fishing boat was ambushed by Thai pirates.  The bandits stole the travellers’ valuables, the boat’s engine and left. Fortunately, they later were rescued by the Capanaua, a German ship, and taken to a Philippines’ refugee camp.  Tung remained there for eighteen months until granted immigration from the Australian Government.  He finally arrived to South Australia where he made his home in August 1982. 

During the 1980s and 90s, racism was experienced frequently by Asian migrants in Australia. The white policy, which existed in Australia for many decades has been phased out, there were still many extreme racism groups against the immigration of Asian people.  As growing up in one of the Western suburbs in Adelaide, Tung had witnessed a lot of them rallies on Hanson Road; close to where to him and many Asian – Australian lived; creating racial tension and threats locally and nationally. 

Amidst this political and cultural turmoil, at the age of 22, Tung wanted to join into the Local Government Election in South Australia to make a change. During his election campaign, he was targeted by some extreme racists and personally criticized at their protests.  He even received threats, which became so great that at one point he had relocated to a protection home for his own safety.   Despite being intimidated and threats, he stayed strong was finally elected and became the first Vietnamese person in the Local Council.

Having witnessed divisive intolerance, as local Councillor Tung wanted to break down barriers between Asian people and the broader community.  He achieved this through voicing Asian residents’ concerns and promoting local immigrants and their positive local contributions.  He openly shared his culture and raised awareness of cultural differences.  Tung’s community engagement increased understanding and acceptance of Asian people into South Australia. 

About twenty years later in 2014, Tung became the first Vietnamese Australian to be elected to South Australia’s Parliament.  At that time, he was the only person with Vietnamese heritage in any Parliament in Australia. However, Tung was humbled by the support he received from the Australian Labor Party and remains grateful for its engagement with multicultural communities. His election to State Parliament was a proud moment for Tung, his family and the Asian community in South Australia.

Since entering State Parliament, alongside his legislative role and community work, Tung continues to actively represent South Australia’s multicultural community.  He pursues the interests of the broader group and fights for what is right and fair for individuals within it.  Tung has supported many people to realise their goals and will continue to do his best and stand-up for tolerance and inclusivity.

Hon Tung Ngo MLC