Dear Editor
As Australia Day approaches, I want to encourage people across Barker to take a moment to reflect on what unites us as Australians.
Australia’s history is complex, and it is right that we acknowledge that. But it is also important to recognise how far we have come, the challenges we have faced, the adversity we have overcome and the values that continue to underpin our nation.
I am proud of our Indigenous heritage, our migrant story and the fact that Australia is a free, democratic nation built on fairness, opportunity and respect. These values are worth celebrating and defending.
Australia Day should be a positive and unifying occasion. It is an opportunity to attend local community events, spend time with family and friends, and acknowledge the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy as Australians.
Unfortunately, each year a loud minority seeks to diminish this national day. I believe most Australians reject that negativity and instead want to celebrate our shared identity with pride and respect.
Displaying the Australian National Flag is one simple but powerful way to do that. To support this, I am offering free “Proud of Our Country, Proud of Our Flag” bumper stickers to residents of Barker who wish to show their pride this Australia Day. Stickers can be requested via my Facebook or Instagram pages, or by emailing my office at tony.pasin.mp@aph.gov.au.
In the lead-up to January 26, I encourage people across Barker to celebrate Australia Day in their own way – proudly, respectfully and together – and to reflect on what makes Australia such a great country to call home.
Tony Pasin
Federal Member for Barker
