Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet,
Minister for the Public Service,
Special Minister of State
Today, Australians will gather together to reflect, respect and celebrate Australia Day 2022.
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton said on Australia Day, we celebrate being part of a proud, ancient, multicultural nation that values the contribution of each and every citizen.
"We reflect on the past, present and future, listen and respect each other's stories, contributions and aspirations and celebrate being Australian together, because we are all part of the story of Australia," Minister Morton said.
"We live on ancient Country, our history began more than 65,000 years ago. On Australia Day, we reflect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. We take this opportunity to learn truth about the past.
"We respect the contribution of many from all parts of the world. The waves of migration that earned Australia's place as the most successful multicultural immigration nation in the world. We respect their contribution to building a nation on the shared values we cherish: democracy, individual freedom and the rule of law that make Australia a successful, tolerant and cohesive society.
"On Australia Day, we celebrate our future together. While Australia, or indeed no nation will ever be perfect, we do live in the best country in the world and that's worthy of our reflection, respect and celebration.
"The National Australia Day Council worked hard to move the conversation from a divisive debate about changing the date of Australia Day to one about how it can be done better.
"We don't just ignore important dates with so much meaning, we don't pretend our past didn't happen - we mark them more inclusively, we take the opportunity to learn, understand, reflect and respect.
"Making Australia Day more inclusive means including people that find the day difficult and painful. Australia Day should be a day not only for celebration, but also reflection and respect.
"Australia Day should bring us together as a nation - one and free, as our anthem has it. It shouldn't be divisive, but inclusive.
"That's why we incorporate more opportunities to reflect on our Indigenous history, respect the contribution of many from all corners of the world, and celebrate our future together."
The National Australia Day Council - backed by the Morrison Government - through its Australia Day 2022 Community Grants Program has supported councils, sporting groups, multicultural associations and other community gatherings across Australia to deliver local Australia Day events.
A record number of applications led to assistance for over 550 organisations to host a whole array of COVIDSafe events, from citizenship and Welcome to Country ceremonies, to multicultural festivities, music shows and firework displays.
"The program was oversubscribed and the Morrison Government provided further funding to ensure there is something for everyone on Australia Day, in every corner of the country," Minister Morton said.
"In Noosa they're having a thong and boomerang throwing competition.
"While at a mosque in Adelaide, the Afghan Cameleer community will celebrate their historical relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"Greek, Irish and Indigenous Australians will come together to share history and language in Sydney, while an Olympic and Paralympic Parade will take place in Wollongong.
"From Aussies saluting Aussie-built cars in the Gippsland to wood chopping, sheaf tossing and cherry pip spitting in Latrobe, Tasmania.
"Meanwhile, Alice Springs is creating an Aussie Beach Day at the Red Centre.
"In Canberra, locals can go to the German Club to watch the Indigenous River Bank Band or take part in a peace prayer with the Bhutanese community.
"In my home state of Western Australia, the local Indian community in my electorate are hosting a joint celebration of Australia Day and Indian Republic Day."
Australia Day is a day to come together, as Australians.
Find out how to celebrate Australia Day your way at www.australiaday.org.au.
