Australia Day 2024 National Address

The Governor-General’s Australia Day National Address was broadcast on the ABC at 6:55 pm AEDT on 26 January.

As I begin my last Australia Day Address, I look again to words I referenced when sworn in. They are from a plaque honouring David Malouf, the Australian writer. 

‘Australia is still revealing itself to us. We oughtn’t close off possibilities by declaring too early what we have already become.’

I’ve reflected on those words many, many times over the last five years. 

Australia is still revealing itself to us and we are all part of its evolving story.

I acknowledge the Cammeraygal people of the Eora nation – the traditional owners of the land I’m on – and pay my respects to elders past and present. 

As I’ve said throughout my time as Governor-General, I am particularly mindful of the future of the younger Indigenous generation.

I’ve spent a lot of time over the last decade with young Indigenous people. 

Those experiences have reaffirmed my belief in the importance of a reconciliation journey we are on.

That journey, and how we deal with other issues where there are strongly held, differing views in our community, will help determine the Australia that reveals itself.

However you’ve spent Australia Day, I encourage you to reflect on the things that unite us. 

Consider what it is that makes us an island nation, rather than a nation of different islands comprised of communities adrift of each other.

I believe Australia is greater than the sum of its individual parts. That our diversity is a strength. And that whatever the stresses of the day, at our core we are bound by shared values and beliefs. 

Bound by an underlying respect for each other, for our right to disagree and for our institutions.  

And bound by the characteristics we see throughout our community – compassion, humility and a hint of larrakin that hides a gritty determination and willingness to take on big challenges.

We see those characteristics in so many situations.

On the tough days – where adversity not only builds character, it reveals it.

On the good days, like today when we welcome new Australians.

In the commitment and dedication of those who serve in uniform, who volunteer to help others and who put themselves in danger to keep us safe.

In outstanding individuals, such as those recognised in today’s Honours List.

Throughout the last five years the Council of the Order of Australia and I have sought to ensure the Order of Australia is reflective of our community. I am pleased of the progress made and hope that this remains a priority in years to come.

Reading the diversity of recipients’ stories is inspiring.

Equally inspiring is the determination of our young people, so many of whom are working hard to shape a better future.

Young people like Bri, Lotte, Chelsea, Hukam and Roisin, who received life changing scholarships from the Order of Australia Association Foundation. 

From different backgrounds, each is talented, passionate and ambitious. Each aspires to give back to the community.

They’re the tip of the iceberg – representatives of our potential and the country we aspire to be.

As I’ve pondered the words on that plaque in Sydney, I’ve come to believe that how Australia reveals itself is not pre-ordained. It is the sum of all our efforts.

We each determine the country we aspire to be.

We do it by how we act, how we treat each other and how we invest of ourselves in something greater than the individual. 

Knowing the character of Australian people, I can’t help but be optimistic for our future. Whatever our challenges and divides, we’re a good people, a kind people, united and bound together. 

This is my final Australia Day address. 

Serving my country has been a continuous honour and privilege since I entered Duntroon as an 18-year-old cadet 52 years ago. 

I have not been alone. I want to acknowledge my wife, Linda. She never sought a public role but has worked tirelessly, given enormously of herself to uplift others and brought kindness to all. I am greatly indebted to her.

Dorothea Mackellar’s poem My Country is often quoted in speeches at this time of year. The tribulations she points to are pertinent given our nation’s experiences over the past four years. But I prefer her conclusion:

‘For flood and fire and famine, she pays us back threefold …’

Australia tests us. That’s true. But she pays us back threefold.

That is because of the character of our people. 

We can all benefit from her bounty. 

We are Australian.

[Ends]