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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 14 Hansard (10 December) . . Page.. 5143 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

themselves of the festivities there as well. People who had only recently been traumatised by the fires and a number of volunteers were there. There was a good community atmosphere.

I did not see as many as I would have liked. The reason some of the volunteers were not there was that they were out helping fight fires as there were still some extreme fire problems in the territory. The state of emergency had not been lifted. I remember having to race home and make sure that my place was secure as there was a fire threat in north-west Canberra.

This event was innovative, something a little different, which Australia Day in the National Capital Committee does each year to keep up with the times and remain relevant in terms of what should be provided. Thousands of people benefited; they thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated it. It was a small way of saying thank you to the volunteers. People who had lost their houses joined in a nice community activity.

Australia Day is a unique event. The Australia Day committee has certainly moved with the times and has provided Canberrans with much fun and great events each Australia Day. I think it is an absolute tragedy that this government and the minister have not funded the committee. I urge members to support Mr Smyth's motion.

MR PRATT (6.05): I support Mr Smyth's comments about our deep concerns on the future of Australia Day in the Australian Capital Territory. We should be proud to celebrate Australia Day. The day itself-26 January-was nominated and determined by our forefathers. We should respect the fact that they determined that this was going to be the nation's day of celebration. It is not for us to change it, to underrate its importance or to minimise its impact.

What other day would we celebrate as a national day? Does it really matter to this government if we have an Australia Day celebration in the Australian Capital Territory? That concern does not seem to be there. Australia Day is a very special day and we should be proud to demonstrate that. The fact that the government has denied funding sets a very bad precedent.

How do we develop pride in our children to celebrate their nation if we, as community leaders-I am talking about MLAs; the government has a leadership role in this community-do not give a toss about Australia Day? This government, by its actions, has denied Canberrans the opportunity to celebrate Australia Day properly. How does the Canberra community feel about that? Other communities will be celebrating Australia Day proudly around the country. This community is a bit parlous compared to our sister communities.

What example is the government giving newly arrived Australians? That Australian authorities do not give a damn, show enough respect, properly resource or promote Australia Day. New Australians come from communities which passionately support and celebrate national days-some a tad too much-but they are, at the end of the day, very proud of their national days. When they come to this community they find that the government is not going to fund Australia Day in the Australian Capital Territory.

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