Steve Irons (Swan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As did many from this chamber and the Senate—perhaps with the exception of the Australian Greens—I spent my Australia Day attending the citizenship ceremonies hosted by local councils in my electorate of Swan to welcome our newest Aussies on our national day, 26 January. The City of South Perth held a magnificent Australia Day ceremony at Sir James Mitchell Park, which borders the Swan River—which my electorate is named after—with a flyover by the Australian Air Force. The City of Belmont held their citizenship ceremony at the Belmont RSL, a fitting place to remind us of the sacrifices made so that all Australians, new and old, are able to enjoy the freedoms of our great nation. All of the conferees were proud as punch to finally be able to call themselves Aussies. Each and every one of them had a fantastic morning, and I'm sure that they'll look fondly on this memory for years to come.

A recent poll conducted by AMES Australia found that over 80 per cent of new migrants—yes, 80 per cent—believe Australia Day is an important day for our nation. Many of my constituents agree and have called our office to say they're disgusted by the Greens' subversive attack on our national date and our Australian values cherished by the majority of Australians. Instead of working on real solutions to close the gap and address issues affecting Indigenous Australians, the Greens are encouraging divisiveness. Australia Day is a day for all Australians. We unite, pay thanks and celebrate our great nation. I would like to pay tribute to the City of South Perth, who actually confirmed last year that they will continue to hold Australia Day ceremonies on 26 January.