Sunday, 26 January 2025
Government House
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Thank you, Yvonne, for your Welcome to Country. I too acknowledge the Gadigal, Traditional Owners of these lands and waterways.

Thank you, also, Senator Bragg, for your words and glimpse into your own personal story.

Welcome all, new citizens and old, to Government House today.

Australia Day is an important opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or choice, to reflect on and celebrate the great Australian story.

• On the more than 60,000 years of the oldest living culture in the world, whose connection to ‘Country’ is foundational to what it means to be Australian.
• On our inherited British institutions, from which our laws and systems of governance—so vital to our democracy and stability—derive, last year being the bicentenary of our first legislative body and Supreme Court.
• On the people coming from all over the world, whose contributions have become intrinsic not only to our shared prosperity, but also to our quintessential Australian character.

In reflecting on these things, we do so with clear-sightedness and respect. We acknowledge that not all have the same perspectives. That is as it should be. Our diversity is our strength and our pride, as today’s new citizens exemplify.

What unites us, is our love of this land and our commitment to looking out for each other, of respect for the freedom and dignity of others, the rule of law, democracy, and a fair go for all.

In coming together to connect with family, friends, and community on Australia Day, we honour all this. We celebrate each other’s achievements and our shared aspirations, proud not only of who we are, but also who we might become.

Underpinning that is our common citizenship.

Today, all over Australia, thousands of people at hundreds of ceremonies like this will pledge their commitment to Australia, its people, and shared values.

To those here about to make that Pledge, as new citizens you will have new rights and corresponding obligations. One of these is to take part in our participatory democracy. Voting in all elections in Australia is compulsory, one of the ways in which we strive to ensure our elected representatives truly reflect the will of the people they have the privilege of serving.

There are also the values of active citizenship, of volunteering, of mateship, of lending a hand. Of course, for many of you, this is not new… you have already contributed so much to your communities.

To all of you, I thank you for all you have done and for all you will do. We are immensely proud to welcome you as new Australians, and we look forward with excitement to the part you will play in the great, unfolding Australian story.