Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We recently celebrated one of the most important days of the year, Australia Day. Australia Day is a time to celebrate who we are as a nation, our history, our people, and the values that make this country so great. Over the last 277 years, people from all walks of life have come to this continent, bringing ambition, courage and a deep love for Australia. This love was on full display in Lynbrook on Australia Day at my annual Australia Day barbecue. It was great to see the community gather to celebrate the values that we hold so dear. As former Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard said, 'What makes us Australian is not where you come from, it is the values you share: democracy, equality and respect for one another.'

Australia is a land of freedom, opportunity and stunning beauty. It's a place where hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality. If a young girl from Sri Lanka can be elected to this House, then anything is possible in our great nation. Happy Australia Day!