Op-ed – 26 January 2025

Australia Day gives us the opportunity to reflect, respect and celebrate what it means to be Australian, and be part of this great country.

It’s about the story of our nation, our history, our identity and our people.

It’s a day in which we recognise all the cultures that have come together to shape modern Australia and to welcome our newest citizens.

That’s why I’m immensely proud to celebrate Australia Day and be part of a multicultural nation that has enriched this land beyond measure.

Australia Day has been celebrated in our household for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my family would fire up the barbie under the summer sun and I’ve kept that tradition going. Being a family with Italian heritage, however, there’s every chance those snags are pork and fennel.

As a proud son of Italian migrants, my parents came to Australia over 50 years ago, instilling in me the values of hard work, sacrifice and resilience.

Their story isn’t unique – they came looking for new opportunities and the chance to build a better life for themselves and their children, like so many continue to do.

More broadly, Australia Day represents so much to so many migrants.

As a Senator for Victoria, there’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing families from various continents gather at Australia Day citizenship ceremonies, waving flags, singing the National Anthem with pride and making the pledge of commitment.

We each have our own story and experiences, and this means that each of our views and contributions must be respected and valued.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government has provided over $10 million in financial support for more than 750 Australia Day events in 2025.

These events across the country bring communities together and are vital to representing the true diversity of Australia.

In fact, there’s a 15 per cent increase in the number of supported Australia Day events this year.

Moreover, 73 per cent of Australians agree that Australia Day is a time for local communities and neighbours to connect.

I know the overwhelming majority of Australians care deeply for each other, their country and what we aspire to be.

The strength and diversity of our people make life here the envy of many and we mustn’t lose sight of this fact.

As a nation enriched by people of every faith, background and tradition, let’s celebrate everything good that Australia has to offer. That’s what living here means.