Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Every day is a great day to reflect on what it means to be Australian. To this end, I draw upon and remind members of some of the fine words penned by the former Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles to our newest citizens. He wrote that we are:

… one of the world's most successful multicultural societies, with around half of all Australians either born overseas, or with at least one parent born overseas.

In Australia, everyone can be proud of who they are—and everyone should be respected, valued and feel a sense of belonging.

We are … united by our shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and to freedom of speech, religion and association.

The minister warns us not to fall into the trap of hating others:

Our diversity is our greatest strength, and we prosper by embracing this.

We believe in a society in which everyone is equal, regardless of their gender, faith, sexual orientation, age, ability, race, national or ethnic origin. Ours is the land of the fair go, in which respect and compassion underpin our care for each other and our willingness to reach out to those around us in times of need.

As Australians, our commitment is to these values. We ask new Australians to commit to these ideals, and so we must do the same. It is the responsibility of every adult Australian and every leader in this place to live this truth and to model our national values.