‘I remember the moment I thought we would die’: Dai Le gives emotional maiden speech

Independent Member for Fowler Dai Le has delivered a powerful first speech to Parliament, detailing her experience as a refugee fleeing Vietnam after the fall of Saigon.

Ms Fowler beat Labor frontbencher Kristina Keneally to win the once safe Labor seat at a margin of 1.6 per cent.

“Like many in the electorate of Fowler, mine is a refugee settlement story,” she said.

“I was seven years old when Saigon fell during the Vietnam War, in April 1975. My mother was forced to flee with my two younger sisters, escaping communism.”

Ms Le fought back tears as she told the House of being “terrified” her family wouldn’t survive the journey from Vietnam to Australia.

“I remember the moment I thought we would die when a huge storm hit our boat,” she said.

“I remember seeing bodies lying on the boat like dead corpses … I remember the years in refugee camps, dreaming of being able to lie in a proper bed, have a proper home, and go to a proper school.”

[middlecovemotors]

Thank you Dai Li.
You are loved by very many Aussies you will never even meet.

[leithmurray]

From a 74 year old Australian man. You bought tears to my eyes, god bless you

[KamalToe]

Wow, that outfit will outrage Labor and the greens. Well done. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[cliffhall]

what an amazing women, a true patriot

[shadowdawg]

I sit in my little town in southeast Kentucky, in America, and am so thankful for those in Australia that were so kind to you - it does the heart good!

[KIA-MIA-POW]

Wonderful! So good to see someone proud of the Australian flag AS IT IS !

[fionagreig-fraser]

Glad I had the opportunity to vote her in. Great maiden speech ❣️

[devono]

A touching speech and good reason to keep communism out of our parliament and country.

[ChumpyChicken]

100% support this lady!! What a moving speech!

[baldbeardedbloke]

This Member Of Parliament Will Be One To Watch.

[tigereyewong]

Remember folks, this is the woman who beat ALP's Kristina Keneally. 🤣😂🤣👍

[nigelmorgan]

I’m so glad you won your seat well done to you and your supporters

[donnaparrish]

From USA, CONGRATULATIONS Dai Li and to Australia for this Patriot who now holds this seat. You can bet she will fight for right and freedom.

[AliBaba-dscj]

Dai Le wearing a traditional dress ( Ao' Dai` ) of the South Vietnam before 1975 in a respectful Australian flag

[graemekeeley]

Dai Le will always be remembered as a plucky 11-year-old who escaped the Vietnam war in a rickety boat filled with hundreds of asylum seekers, with her mother and two sisters.

40 odd years later as proud Aussie and living in the Fowler electorate she becomes a giant killer defeating not just cancer in 2014 but on Saturday 21 May 2022 snatched one of Labor’s safest seats by defeating star frontbencher Kristina Keneally

The working class of Fowler who had never been involved in political campaigns before poured out to tell the Labor Party that a wealthy white woman from distant parts parachuted in just does not cut it

When the results were announced the melody was the same, but the lyrics were different. “Dai Le, Dai Le, ”

[lastChang]

Of the 10 countries that don't like 🇨🇳China the most,
- Vietnam is at the top.

[graemel]

What an Awesome Australian!! Dai Trang Le, You are indeed a wonderful soul we are so lucky to have you here!!... God Bless!

[Celts]

I grew up in her electorate and she speaks a lot of good things ! Respect

[tschannelrph]

Mabuhay and Long Live All Patriotic Australians, we are all here to make Australia Rich in every great way May we continue to uphold the real essence of this great nation for everyone who call it home.

[AxtionMag]

God Bless This Woman and may God Bless the People of Australia! You Must Regain Control of Your Country from the tyrant's who currently rule. And, WE MUST Ensure That THE POWER IS GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE, Amongst ALL COUNTRIES, Across the Face of The Earth.