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.
I am proud to lead a Government that is offering all Australians the opportunity to vote to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Islander people in our Constitution.
Prime Minister Hipkins, distinguished guests.
My fellow Australians, and soon-to-be fellow Australians - any minute now.
Every citizenship ceremony is a proud and joyous occasion.
A moment for you and your loved ones to reflect on the determination and optimism that has brought you here, to the banks of the Brisbane River and to the open arms of our Australian family.
And a moment for all of us who welcome you to celebrate the choice you have made - to join us as citizens of our great nation and to join us as whole-hearted partners in the work of making it greater still: more fair, more prosperous and more equal.
Today’s ceremony belongs to a tradition three-quarters of a century old.
Since 1949, over 5.7 million people from every part of the world and drawn from every faith and background have pledged their loyalty to Australia, to our laws, our values and our democratic beliefs.
Every generation of migrants has enriched our nation with their aspiration and innovation, their hard work and deep sense of family and community.
Yet for all that has gone before, today also marks an historic first.
Through 80 years of diplomatic representation, 50 years of the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement and 40 years of our Closer Economic Relations Free Trade Agreement it has often been said that Australia and New Zealand are not just friends, we are family.
In conferring these citizenships today, we give new weight and meaning to that cherished sentiment.
We acknowledge the difficulties and delays you have faced to get to this point – and we ensure that those who come after you will enjoy a smoother road to citizenship.
We affirm the shared ambition and the common vision Australia and New Zealand have for a democratic, peaceful and prosperous future in our region.
And we build on the unbreakable bond between our peoples - a connection that has held strong through tragedy, disaster, hardship and war.
This Tuesday, at Anzac Day ceremonies across both our countries, Advance Australia Fair and God Defend New Zealand will play.
We will pause to commemorate and honour those young Australians and New Zealanders who risked and lost their lives so far from home more than a century ago - and all those who have served and sacrificed since.
In countless ways, the world has changed beyond the imagining of those first Anzacs - and yet the bond between Australia and New Zealand endures and thrives, stronger than ever.
To all the New Zealanders joining us today as new citizens and to your family members who are taking up this opportunity as well.
I say, on behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, whatever path has brought you here - we are proud to embrace you.
Welcoming you as Australian citizens will just strengthen the bonds between our great nations.
ENDS