Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
Thank you, and good morning.
I begin by acknowledging and paying my respect to the Wadjuk people of the Noongar nation.
The Traditional Owners of these lands and waters, and to their elders, past and present. Thank you Barry for that warm welcome.
I also acknowledge His Excellency the Honourable Christopher John Dawson APM, Governor of Western Australia and Mrs Darrilyn Dawson.
Thank you for bringing us together today.
I have no doubt our WA 2023 Australian of the Year recipients are even more determined than when they were announced.
Ready for what will be an incredibly memorable, impactful week in Canberra.
A week which places a much needed spotlight on important issues.
And generates powerful national discussions.
MEANING OF AUSTRALIA DAY
On Australia Day, we invite all Australians to reflect, to show respect, to celebrate.
We reflect on the meaning of this day.
It has a meaning that is unique for each of the 26 million people who call Australia home.
We seek to learn from one another.
To learn more from First Nations people.
To learn from those who have migrated here, and chose to become Australian citizens.
From those who served in defence of our nation.
And we celebrate the steps we have taken to build a stronger Australian community.
VOICE TO PARLIAMENT
This year, our journey of healing for this nation can take one step further.
The Government will hold a referendum to embrace the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including a constitutionally-enshrined Voice to Parliament.
And I hope you will join with me in answering the invitation of First Nations people.
A generous invitation to walk in step with them.
It is one of the most important commitments we can make towards bringing Australians together.
And building a bright future that’s inclusive, cohesive and reconciled.
Because together we achieve so much more.
And our extraordinary 2023 WA Australian of the Year recipients prove this.
WA RECEIPIENTS
They understand that bringing people together is how we achieve big, lasting change.
Breakthroughs that lift people up.
And inspire hope through shared purpose.
We do our fair share of lifting up and inspiring others here in the West.
The Kimberley floods earlier this month was the worst of nature bringing out the best in humanity.
The Prime Minister met with emergency services personnel and volunteers on the ground.
He was in awe of their service and determination during this unprecedented event.
We all are.
Stories of 14 year old Majella Ross from Fitzroy Crossing who has volunteered to sort the piles of donations provided to her community.
Geoff Davis who came direct from his flooded home, still covered in mud, to talk to the Prime Minister about the recovery effort.
And it is the stories of Australians that we celebrate through these awards.
Since 1960, the Australian of the Year Awards have been a roll call of these kinds of remarkable Australians.
They share the hallmark characteristics of Australians of the Year through the generations.
Courage. Kindness. Integrity. Humility.
The values all Australians cherish.
Our 2023 WA recipients are no different.
Their motivation and commitment is contagious.
The truths that inspire them to strive for the good of all.
Professor Samar Aoun’s certainty that death and, therefore, all of life … is everyone’s business.
Theresa Kwok’s conviction that it takes all of us to build a better community for all Australians.
Peter Bol’s recognition that personal success is a product of the networks that surround us.
And the strength Jimmy Murphy finds in his community of ‘do-ers’.
Above all, it is their belief in the importance of community.
They help us to see that every one of us can make a contribution.
I was proud to be with Samar, Theresa, Peter and Jimmy on the evening when receiving their WA Australian of the Year awards.
I am thrilled to be with here this morning to wish you well on your journey east.
Visiting Canberra can be a dizzying experience – not because of the sights, but because it has so many roundabouts.
And as a Perthian who travels frequently to Canberra, here are my main tips.
Tip #1. Do have that extra coffee to adjust to the time-zone.
Tip #2. Do NOT miss the one daily direct flight from Perth to Canberra.
It isn’t a short flight. But four hours is apparently long enough to learn how to write with your non-dominant hand.
So you will be able to shake hands and sign autographs all at the same time.
Tip #3. There are *lots* of seagulls outside Parliament House, but that does not mean you are close to Cottesloe Beach.
Tip #4. If Perth is a big country town, then Canberra is just a smaller, big country town. You will feel at home.
Finally, Tip #5. Make the most of this incredible opportunity.
I look forward to celebrating with you again in Canberra next week at the National Awards Ceremony.
Whatever the outcome, you will be the pride of WA, and all Australians.
For what you have done, and will do in the years ahead.
Congratulations and best of luck.
