When I speak to school groups visiting Parliament House, I proudly share that I’m a woman from regional NSW who didn’t go straight to university and has held many different jobs - from being a station cook to writing for a regional newspaper and serving in the Army Reserves.
I ask them who wants to be a politician. Admittedly, only a few raise their hands (it would be different if I asked about being an AFL player).
Then I ask what qualifications they think are needed. The answer is simple: you only need to be an Australian citizen.
Another great honour of being a parliamentarian is attending citizenship ceremonies and welcoming our newest Australians, which I did recently with the Edward River Council.
So this Australia Day, as I reflect on our values of tolerance, respect, and equity, I also recognise the strong, peaceful, democratic, multicultural society we have become. Long may it be so.
I hope you all enjoy Australia Day in whatever way you choose to acknowledge it. Use it to recognise our past - the good, the bad, and the ugly - acknowledge our present, and embrace a proud future where everyone has an opportunity.
~ Senator Perin Davey
