WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CITIZENS

On 17 September, we celebrate Australian Citizenship Day by welcoming some of Australia’s newest citizens.

 This week, citizenship ceremonies will be held right across Australia, with people from more than 140 nations becoming citizens.

 They join a nation built on cultural diversity and inclusion, shared with one of the world’s richest and oldest continuing cultures.

 In becoming a citizen they take on the responsibilities and privileges we all have as citizens, including to uphold the values of Australian society.

 Every person who calls Australia home, whether they were born here or by choice, should take pride in our country and pause to reflect on how our common bond of citizenship is what unites us all.

 QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP, TONY BURKE:

 “When people pledge a lifelong commitment to Australia, our country becomes a better place.

 “Their history, heritage and dreams for the future become part of Australia’s dream.

 “To everyone making a commitment to Australia this week, thanks for choosing us, and welcome home.”

 QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP, JULIAN HILL:

 “Every town, every suburb, every sporting club in our nation charts the success stories of migrants who have worked to build their lives and build a better Australia.

 “To me, an Australian is anyone committed to our country and to the principle of mutual respect for our fellow Australians.

 “Whether we are citizens through birth, or because we have chosen Australia as our home, Australian Citizenship Day is a day for all of us to be proud of our common bond as Australians”