p align=”justify”>On Australia Day we celebrate what it means to be Australian.
It is a time when we reflect on the values and the events that have helped shaped our nation, our people and everything that embodies our sense of community and the notion of a ‘fair go’.
We must also recognise that this has been a day of hurt for Indigenous Australians – marking white settlement in 1788.
In recent times, two landmark speeches from Australian Prime Ministers have begun the process of healing – first was Paul Keating’s Redfern Speech in 1992 and then, Kevin Rudd’s Apology in 2008.
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On Australia Day we celebrate what it means to be Australian.
It is a time when we reflect on the values and the events that have helped shaped our nation, our people and everything that embodies our sense of community and the notion of a ‘fair go’.
We must also recognise that this has been a day of hurt for Indigenous Australians – marking white settlement in 1788.
In recent times, two landmark speeches from Australian Prime Ministers have begun the process of healing – first was Paul Keating’s Redfern Speech in 1992 and then, Kevin Rudd’s Apology in 2008.
The Apology was one of the most moving and emotional experiences of my parliamentary career – those words resonated from the Parliament and connected with many Australians – demonstrating that the voices of our leaders shape our conscience and our evolution as a people and a nation.
By taking these first steps by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians, we are able to celebrate how far we have come and the equal share each and every Australian has in our future.
Just as our first Australians were influenced by our natural environment, so has every generation since. We have learned to live with our rugged and beautiful environment – it has shaped who we are, it has made us resilient, adventurous and courageous.
The challenges faced through isolation on our harsh and unforgiving island-continent have encouraged us to be creative and innovative – to do things smarter, enabling us to rise to the top of the world’s stage.
Just over a week ago our communities faced some of the most extreme conditions our climate has to offer.
In these conditions the Australian spirit was again on display.
Our volunteers and emergency services are working tirelessly to protect our communities and out of the destruction and distress caused by these fires, we saw communities banding together to lend a hand – because in difficult times, we’re always there for one another.
It’s that Australian spirit that attracts many new migrants to become Australian citizens.
The path to our rich brand of multiculturalism has not always been smooth, but each new wave of migrants has defined our modern history – and continues to shape Australian society – securing our reputation as the cornerstone of a successful multicultural and diverse community.
I’d like to recite a few lines from the second verse of our national anthem and the welcoming sentiment it conveys:
For those who’ve come across the seas,
We’ve boundless plains to share.
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
These words were first sung at the time of our Federation in 1901 before becoming our official anthem in 1984. It shows that even at the time Australia became a nation; we knew our country would be enriched by immigration.
To those who are becoming citizens today, welcome and thank you for choosing to make Australia your home.
As fellow Australians, you now share a part of our future.
Well done, also, to those receiving Australia Day awards today.
Your dedication and compassion through volunteerism and participation in civic life makes our community great; and by serving a purpose beyond themselves – these recipients define what it means to be Australian.
It’s a special honour to celebrate that contribution on our national day.
Happy Australia Day everybody!