Page 3697 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 13 September 2017
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how many citizens were choosing Canberra as their new home. A special treat was when one of the newest citizens gave me a huge hug after the ceremony and said to me in Korean, “I have been wanting to meet you for a long time.” This Korean family was one of many families from all over the world choosing to settle in Canberra.
I took the opportunity to thank all new citizens for their courage. Packing up your bags and moving to a new country is nothing short of brave. I know, because my parents did it at around the age that I am now and I do not think I could do it, and certainly not with two young daughters.
I also took the opportunity to encourage all new citizens to get involved in their local community to create the future they want in their new home; to respect the country that our Indigenous Australians have looked after for so long; to admire the unique beauty of our flora and fauna that they will not see anywhere else in the world; to teach other Australians the rich history and culture of their home country; and to actively participate in our democratic process because they have earned the right to have their voices heard and keep our leaders accountable.
The opportunity to share such a special day with our newest citizens is certainly a highlight amongst many of the roles we are asked to play as members of this Assembly. I understand, Madam Speaker, that you have issued a special invitation to a reception for these new citizens next week in this very building, and I look forward to seeing them again as fellow Canberrans.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 6.29 pm.
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