Anthony Albanese has welcomed a group of newly minted Aussies to the country with a message of hope.
Speaking at the Australia Day citizenship ceremony on Monday, the Prime Minister referenced the first such event in 1949, describing the seven people from seven nations who were welcomed into the “Australian family” by the then Prime Minister Ben Chifley.
Mr Chifley’s description of Australia as a nation “in which great opportunities will present themselves” and a country “where democracy is not just a platitude but something which is practised” still rang true to this day, Mr Albanese said.
“Whether we are Australian by birth or by choice, we all share the opportunity, the privilege and the responsibility of being part of something extraordinary,” he said.
Mr Albanese reiterated the pledge made by the group of incoming Aussies was informed by the respect for “common humanity” that defined modern Australia.
“Thank you to all of you who have made the choice to embrace that today,” he said.
New citizens at the ceremony came from countries including India, New Zealand, Turkey, the US, Nigeria, Malaysia, Nepal, and the UK.
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