Vietnamese diaspora community raises concerns over Vietnamese Communist Government influence in Australia
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Vietnamese diaspora community raises concerns over Vietnamese Communist Government influence in Australia
The Vietnamese diaspora community has raised serious concerns about the growing influence of Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP) linked organisations and interests in Australia, citing the 84 FEST Vietnamese Music and Food Festival, scheduled for 14 November 2026 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, as a warning sign.
Over the past three decades, the Vietnamese Communist Government has steadily and discreetly built an extensive network of Communist Party cells, businesses, religious and social organisations, media platforms and student visa-holder networks to promote Communist ideology, implement the Vietnamese Communist government’s resolutions and undermine the Vietnamese refugee community in Australia.
There is a strong perception with lots of anecdotal evidence that favourable trade arrangements between the two countries have enabled wealthy and corrupt members of the VCP to establish businesses, purchase properties, send family members to study and work in Australia, and pursue permanent residency.
Some of these individuals and entities have subsequently acted as conduits for government propaganda, gathered intelligence and engaged in the intimidation and harassment of members of the Vietnamese refugee community, designed to diminish and discourage the diaspora community to participate in legitimate democratic activities in Australia.
This festival raises broader questions about the activities and influence of the Vietnamese Communist Government and its supporters in Australia, particularly in relation to the Vietnamese Australian refugee community and the protection of Australia’s democratic values.
“To me, this represents a Trojan horse: a cultural event that may also serve a political purpose. We are deeply concerned about the future of Australia and the security of our families and community members. We do not want to see any individual or organisation exploiting cultural events or community networks to incite hatred, encourage violence or undermine our ability to participate in democratic activities,” said Mr. Phong Nguyen, President of the Australian Vietnamese Refugees National Council (AVRNC).
He warned against complacency and called on Australians to take seriously what he views as the growing presence and influence of Communist-aligned interests in the country.
“It is time for Australians to pay closer attention to those who benefit from our nation’s wealth, freedoms and democratic institutions while, as I alleged, serving the interests of the Vietnamese Communist regime. If we dismiss these concerns and fail to take them seriously, we risk allowing forces that oppose our democratic values to gain greater influence in our society,” Mr. Nguyen said.
The AVRNC calls on Australian authorities and all Australians to remain vigilant, defend democratic values and scrutinise activities that may seek to use Australia’s open democracy to promote authoritarian political interests.
ENDS
Media and further enquiries:
Mr Phong Nguyen OAM
President, Australian Vietnamese Refugees National Council (AVRNC)
Phone: 0411 756 552
