NSW Premier Mr Morris Iemma today joined two senior ministers and a parliamentary delegation for high level talks with representatives of Sydney's Chinese community.

Premier Iemma said the purpose of the meeting, held in Chinatown, was to listen to community leaders' concerns and to reinforce the NSW Government's commitment to the Australian Chinese community.

Joining the Premier were Carmel Tebbutt, Minister for Education and Training and John Hatzistergos, Minister for Health, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier on Trade and Investment, Henry Tsang.

"The Chinese-Australian community has played a central role in Australia's economic and social development over the past 150 years, and they certainly deserve a say in the future of NSW," Mr Iemma said.

"The NSW Government is working hard with the Chinese community to make real improvements in the services we deliver and make sure that the community's voice is heard at the very highest levels of Government.

"The presence of a large Chinese-speaking community in NSW has helped Sydney become a dynamic, outward-looking business and financial hub within the Asia-pacific region.

"Mandarin and Cantonese are the most spoken languages in NSW other than English.

"This community roundtable not only provides a great opportunity for my Government to listen to what community representatives have to say, but also to reaffirm my Government's commitments to our respected Chinese community," Mr Iemma said.

The Iemma Government :
-Supports the teaching of Chinese languages in primary and secondary schools across NSW;

-Will continue to host a reception to celebrate Chinese New Year as well as the presentation of the Premier's Chinese community Service Awards to recognise those with outstanding contribution in the Chinese community;

-Host a Chinese community roundtable every two years to listen and address community concerns;

-Continue to work closely with the Chinese community through operation Unicorn and other initiatives to fight crime; and

-Closely monitor the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games to identify and pursue business opportunities associated with the games.

Mr Iemma said his Government will continue to closely co-operate with the Chinese Government to further promote trade and investment ties.

"Over the past three years, the NSW Government has sent 10 trade and investment missions to China, five to Hong Kong and we are also working closely with Hollway and Churches as our contractors to help win business for NSW associated with the 2008 Olympic Games.

"We have achieved a lot in just 12 months, such as apprenticeships in school, GP centres at hospitals, 750 new police, 800 new nurses, record investment in public transport, massive water recycling schemes and a record $2 billion package for mental health and disabilities.

"There's more to do, but we're heading in the right direction," Mr Iemma said.

Other Members of Parliament who attended the Chinese community roundtable were Ms Angela D'Amore, Member for Drummoyne; Ms Tanya Gadiel, Member for Parramatta; Mrs Barbara Perry; Member for Auburn; and Ms Virginia Judge, Member for Strathfield.