Be Proud And Stand Tall This Australia Day

Mackay & Whitsunday Life

Journalist: Op Ed (Andrew Willcox)

With Australia Day just around the corner my thoughts go to, what does it mean to be an Aussie? Sadly, in current times, there’s more concern than excitement, that stems from this question.

We have so much to be proud of in this lucky country of ours. It is the land of opportunity and certainly the best place to raise a family. We have a high standard of living and a democratic system that allows everyone a say in how our country is governed.

We should love the country we call our own and be proud of what we have achieved as a nation. But there is a plague spreading that could bring this all down.

It’s starting in our schools and universities, slowly but surely weaving its way through our workplaces and now mainstream media, and it’s encouraged by Labor. It’s called shame.

There was once a time where we flew our Australian flag proudly without a second thought, and it held centre stage with our leaders.

There was a time when we sang our Australian Anthem and God Save The Queen or King in our schools and before every social event. Now, there are times both are not sung at all. This is a step-by-step depletion of our national pride - and this is wrong!

The Labor Government has now told local councils across the nation it is acceptable to opt out of citizenship ceremonies on our national day. They have made their agenda clear.

At this time of the year, we should be celebrating our great nation, rather than descending in debates that create tension and unrest.

We are a proud multicultural nation - one of the most successful in the world. What kind of message does shirking our own citizenship ceremonies send to the new Aussies beginning their Australian dream?

This kind of attitude will only lead to a divided Australia with an identity crisis.

Let me tell you about the Australia and the Aussies I know and love. We are the country with the belief of giving everyone a fair go and we live in a society that knows how to have a laugh. We know how to put on a good barbie, down a beer and have your mates’ back. That’s the Australia and the Australian people I will always fight for in Parliament.

We don’t pretend our history is beyond reproach. We can’t change this. But there is more to our history than just one narrative and this is what makes us Australian.

There is nothing wrong with being proud of our country. We should be proud to stand tall and say, I Am Australian!