Politics & Council
28 January, 2026
We’re living in a most remarkable country
AUSTRALIA Day is fast approaching, and with it comes a familiar debate.
Mallee MP Anne Webster writes:
Some will call for changing the date or the name, but I urge you not to be distracted.
This day is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian and to celebrate the privilege of living in this remarkable country.
I am proud to stand with my family as an Australian. Australia is a country unique among nations, its modern form built on the egalitarian spirit that sought equality and opportunity for convicts and free-settlers alike. While our history since European settlement is not perfect and contains dark chapters that must be acknowledged and remembered , there is no other nation I would rather call home.
Australia offers freedoms, opportunities, and a quality of life that many around the world can only dream of. These are things worth cherishing.
From its earliest days, Australia has been shaped by migration. Indigenous Australians crossed from Asia tens of thousands of years ago, and since Federation, we have welcomed people from every corner of the globe.
This diversity is part of our strength. Migrants have joined the heartbeat of this nation, embracing the values of fairness and reward for hard work. They have settled vast lands, contributed to our economy, strengthened our social fabric, and enriched our culture.
All are equal before the law, our education and health systems are open to all, and our democratic institutions provide opportunities for anyone willing to strive.
Immigration is once again in the spotlight, and rightly so.
The threat of anti-Semitism and Islamic terrorism must be stopped in its tracks.
We must have honest conversations about who we welcome and how we manage growth. But these discussions should unite us, not divide us.
This Australia Day, let us rise above division and celebrate what makes our country great.
There is so much to celebrate and be proud of. People around the world long to come here because of what Australians have built and defended.
Let’s stand together, not in protest, but in gratitude, and talk about how we can make this nation even stronger for future generations.
* Anne Webster is the federal member for Mallee