Our new federation was one of the first in the world where women had the right to vote in elections and run for parliament, because we understood that societies and economies are stronger when they draw on the talents of all their citizens. In the same spirit, our century-old system of compulsory voting reflects the Australian belief that participating in our democracy is both a right and a responsibility, a duty that belongs to all of us.
That’s what we can take pride in … a democratic nation that Australians created in peace, have defended in war and have strengthened through their compassion, courage and instinct for fairness.
Every time we have trusted this instinct for inclusion, every time we have broken down barriers of discrimination, every time we have opened our minds to the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, every time we have broadened the circle of our social democracy and deepened the meaning of the fair go, we have all gained from it.
That is the story of a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work, of Medicare and universal superannuation, it’s the living inspiration of multiculturalism, and it is the uplifting truth of every milestone we’ve passed on the road to reconciliation.
None of this is the product of good luck. Modern Australia has been built, over generations, by countless individual acts of service, bravery, ambition and kindness. By people who have the wisdom to respect each other’s differences, while focusing on all we have in common.
Our collective commitment to unity, respect and pride in our Australian identity matters more than ever in a world that is less certain and more polarised. The horrific attack on Australia’s Jewish community at Bondi Beach is terrible proof that our nation is not immune from the evils of terrorism and extremism. Our task is to confront and defeat the threat of antisemitism together as Australians. To meet this test of our national character by holding true to the best of our national character.
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That is a task for all of us. Because whether your ancestors have known and loved this continent for 65,000 years or whether you and your family have chosen Australia as your new home and enriched our society with your hard work and aspiration, we all belong to the unfolding story of Australian democracy.
That’s what we can take pride in celebrating today: a democratic nation that Australians created in peace, have defended in war and have strengthened through their compassion, courage and instinct for fairness. A powerful common understanding that part of what makes ours the best country on Earth is that all of us share a commitment to make it even better.
When the time came to design a coat of arms for our new federation, the platypus missed out. Instead, we opted for two other iconic animals unique to our continent: the kangaroo and the emu. Neither goes backwards; they only move forward. Just like Australia.
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