Canning Multicultural Ausday
Cannington Exhibition Centre

I am delighted to welcome you all as we come together to reflect, respect, and celebrate what makes our nation so special this Australia Day.

As we do every year, today we celebrate the values and character of the Australian people. These values are at the heart of our shared story.

Sixteen-year-old Bardia, whose parents are both engineers from Iran, shared insightful words that he wrote for me as an intern in my office – insights beyond his years, but words that I believe represent our future:

"Australia Day is everyone’s day. It is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate. It is a day about our stories, our traditions, and our ever-evolving culture. It is a day to remind us who we are, where we stand, and where we are heading."

His words capture the essence of what our reflections today.

Australia’s story is written by the resilient and remarkable people who call this country home.

It is a story of hard work, a fair go, and mateship - values that bind us together and inspire us to build a better future.

This weekend, I had the privilege of attending citizenship ceremonies and welcoming new Australians.

People that have come to this land to build a better future, like my parents who did exactly this 50 years ago.

To those who have joined us, I say: welcome. Our arms are open, and we are so glad to have you here.

Your presence enriches our culture and strengthens our communities.

Together, let’s continue to build a better, safer, and more prosperous country.

Across our nation, Australians contribute every day to this shared story.

Whether in uniform, hospital wards, classrooms, family farms, or through the care of our children, each of you plays a vital role.

And for those who bring the richness of your culture and experiences to start a new life here, we thank you for making Australia your home.

Australia Day is a moment for us to acknowledge and honour these contributions.

It is also a time to reflect on our history—both the achievements and the lessons—to ensure we carry forward the best of what defines us.

As we look to the future, let us celebrate the values that unite us: kindness, resilience, and hope.

Let us continue to respect each other’s stories, celebrate our evolving culture, and work together to make this country a place of opportunity and harmony for everyone.

Thank you all for being here today.

Let us celebrate with pride and optimism.