Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony
26 January 2009
In the spirit of reconciliation that we wish to see expressed throughout Australia and embedded in our communities, I acknowledge with respect the traditional custodians of the land on which we are gathered, the Jagera and Turrbal peoples and their descendants, representatives of the world's oldest continuous living culture.
The richness of their culture provides an ancient backdrop to contemporary Australia: a nation which is still young in political terms and which is still growing and evolving. Nowhere is that growth more evident and more remarkable than in the stream of immigrants from the four corners of the earth who continue to choose to make Australia their home and whose diversity daily adds new, exciting dimensions to the fabric of our society, to our national character and sense of identity. It is a source of pride for us here in Queensland that our own State is a high point of attraction for these new settlers. Over this past weekend, 3,200 people in Queensland alone took the oath of citizenship. We welcome them warmly as fellow citizens, as new Queenslanders and Australians. We know they have come here for many different reasons: some to escape war, hardship and suffering; some to join family; some to create a better life for their children. For them - even in times of global challenge - Australia remains a land of peace, of plenty, of promise, of equality and opportunity. Their courageous decisions to relocate - to create new homes - to build a new life - is an important - and timely - reminder to all of us of the good things about Australia. As they settle among us, I trust that they will come to understand, appreciate and value the history that they inherit - the heritage that belongs to all Australians - and that they will absorb and ultimately reflect and express in their own lives and pass on to their children and the generations to follow, the distinctive spirit and character that marks Australians as ‘Aussies' - that spirit that defines us as a people, that tells the world who we are and what we stand for; that spirit that makes us feel special and that we celebrate today.
As we look forward to the opportunities and challenges of 2009, in this very special Sesqui-centenary year, I wish all Queenslanders a peaceful and enjoyable Australia Day.