SPEECH: Australian Consul-General Elizabeth Ward, Australia Day on 26 January 2022
26 January is Australia Day. As the global pandemic continues to disrupt our lives, Australia Day provides an opportunity to reflect on how Australians engage in crisis, what this says about the people we are, and what we stand for.
Compassion, fairness, equality, participation are hallmarks of Australian society, and when times are tough these come to the fore as we adapt to the difficulties around us.
Our values define who we are as a nation; an inclusive multicultural society that sees the value in all people. We embrace our diversity because we know it makes us stronger. So many have had a hand in building, and continue to build, our nation: From the waves of immigrants from every corner of the globe; to our Indigenous Australians, the oldest continuous culture on earth.
We are a noisy, colourful democracy. Yes, sometimes this can challenge us. But ensuring that we look at things from different perspectives, and hear all voices, is fundamental to our success. We are not afraid to reflect on where we have fallen short and strive to be better from the experience. It has delivered a resilient society and a resilient system of governance. There to be treasured.
We strive to ensure equality for all Australians, and a fair go - both at home and abroad. At home, efforts to tackle discrimination - whether race, gender, disability or age - are actively discussed, and strongly supported. Abroad, Australia has invested heavily over many years to ensure we implement and abide by the spirit and the letter of commitments we have made in international treaties on human rights, security, and trade.
Australians pride themselves on extending a helping hand when times are tough. The efforts of the Australian community in Hong Kong and Macau remind me every day what a great contribution Aussies are making to assist those who are struggling. This year I would like to recognise one among us in Hong Kong: Archana Perinchery an Australian pilot who along with a team of volunteers spends countless hours providing support to air crew in quarantine.
Taking inspiration from Archana, the Consulate-General has marked Australia Day by providing care packages to three quarantine hotels and to the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. A small gesture in these tough times.
To all in Hong Kong and Macau - Happy Australia Day.