Australian of the Year Awards

Speech
National Arboretum, Canberra

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

Friends, it is such a joy to gather together on the eve of Australia Day.

Our national day is our chance to do so much more than simply count our blessings. We pause to reflect on everything that we have achieved as a nation, as a people.

All that we have created and built and learned through all the ups and downs of our history.

The challenges we have faced – together.

The opportunities we have seized – together.

The tests we have passed – together.

And it is together that we look to the future.

We do so with courage. We do it with optimism. And when times do turn tough, we let it bring out the best in our character.

We’ve been seeing that time and time again among our fellow Australians dealing with floods and bushfires. Neighbours helping neighbours, strangers helping strangers.

And every firefighter, every rescue worker and every member of the Australian Defence Force who puts themselves on the line.

We live in the greatest country on Earth, but we don’t let it rest there. We know that our nation can be even greater.

That’s the spirit we see embodied by every Australian of the Year, and by every Australian who has ever been nominated.

It is such a great honour. No one is ever considered for it lightly, and every nominee who is here tonight is already an extraordinary part of the Australian story.

I do want to thank the class of 2023. Local Hero, Amar Singh. Young Australian of the Year, Awer Mabil. Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Tom Calma AO. And, of course, our 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt.

The greatest ambition anyone can have is to make a positive difference.

All of you have done that. I know all of you will continue to do so, adding to the qualities that make Australia the bright beacon that it is to so many.

Tomorrow, at 320 ceremonies across this continent, more than 15,000 people are becoming Australian citizens.

Drawn from every part of the world, from every faith and background, they will be pledging their loyalty to their new home.

They will joining our Australian family, making our big picture that crucial bit bigger, adding to the diversity that is Australia’s great strength.

It is a diversity that begins with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. People who have been here for such a profoundly long time it stretches the imagination, leaving the imagination permanently enlarged.

We celebrate our differences. We rejoice in what we have in common. And, like the different facets that give a diamond its sparkle, we bring it all together in our shared Australian identity.

Ultimately we look for the best in ourselves. We look for what is best about the Australian character. And we seek out the people who show us what those qualities and values are in the most powerful way of all - by living them.

That’s what we see in all of tonight’s nominees. Having had the pleasure of meeting you all this morning, my high hopes for the future are now even higher.

You have done so much to make Australia a brighter a place.

This is Australia’s chance to return the favour and shine a light on you.