WE are the lucky country.
There is nowhere else I would rather live than Australia.
These past two weeks have brought a focus on our relationship to the Commonwealth and our national pride. To some, it has come as a surprising comfort.
As billions around the world tuned in to see our late Queen laid to rest this week, I found myself reflecting on the great privilege we have to be Australians, united with allies around the world in this great Commonwealth of ours.
It was an incredible moment to watch our Diggers proudly marching among the Queen’s armed forces in the funeral procession, paying tribute to our great Sovereign. It was a truly captivating and momentous series of events.
As I have said many times through this period of mourning, Queen Elizabeth II was a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope in tough times. Queen Elizabeth provided unwavering stability for the last 70 years. There are few places in the world that are able to enjoy the freedom and peace that we know in Australia. We have a lot to be grateful for.
Again, I found myself reflecting on this privilege of being Australian as I welcomed some of our newest citizens last Friday. I always find these ceremonies so moving. I wish I could attend each one across Mallee. Two of the youngest new citizens at the ceremony perhaps weren’t able to understand fully yet what they were being welcomed into, but they will in time. I want again to extend my warm welcome to each of our new citizens.
People from across the seas continue to come to Australia because it is such a wonderful and fulfilling place to live, work and raise a family.
We believe in the freedom and dignity of each individual, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of association. We value the rule of law, democracy and equality of opportunity for all people.
These are things that we should never take for granted, strive to uphold and will always be grateful for.
