Celebrating the Australia Day

The Australians of all persuasions are, happily, celebrating the Australia Day - a national birthday. Although black and white Australians have become used to considering January 26 as the Invasion Day, there is more that unites the nation than divides it.

Nevertheless, in a very special way, the Australia Day is a celebration of cultural diversity – and, more importantly, a celebration of a nation in all its manifestations.

In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister, John Howard, said that migrants (old and new) were expected to “make an overriding commitment to Australia, its laws, and democratic values”. But he argued, passionately, that while multiculturalism is important, it will never alter Australia’s commitment to freedom and equality.

Happy Australia Day!