Australia Day 2026

We saw the brave actions of genuine Australian heroes; ordinary citizens risking their own safety to save the lives of others who were directly in the line of fire.

Amidst the chaos they remained calm, caring, and courageous.

And then came the Day of Reflection.

One week after one of the worst days in the history of Australia, the light of thousands of candles held by Jews, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, and Australians of other faiths combined to shine bright against the darkness of evil.  

On that Sunday evening, the collective glow from that light showed us the only path forward is the path of kindness, love and respect - things that we all want for ourselves, our families and our community - regardless of whether we live in Bondi, Bundaberg, Ballarat, Burnie, Busselton or Brighton.

It was a moment for the ages and an unmistakable sign of our resilience, strength, and unity as a people and as a nation in the face of unprecedented adversity.

The scenes from the vigil remind us we need to open our hands, our minds, and our hearts to our fellow Australians of every race, culture, and faith if we are to be partners for peace.

So, let Australia Day 2026 be the moment when we focus on what sustains us a nation, so fears and tears are replaced with civility and security.

Let’s stand up for those who are put down, speak up for those who are shouted down and show up for those who are let down.

Because the voice of every Australian has a right to be heard, and the view of every Australian is entitled to be respected.

And while our political views and religious beliefs may differ, we all share the responsibility to uphold the democratic values of freedom of speech and freedom of religion which allows us to express our views and practice our beliefs without fear of favour.   

This moment calls on all of us - whether we are Australian by birth or Australian by choice – to live up to the values that define our country and have served us well, in peace and war, for a century and a quarter.

We owe it to ourselves but more importantly, we owe it to future generations that the legacy we leave is the opportunity for them to live their dreams and write their own chapter to be part of the evolving story that is the Australian story.

So, let’s make a promise to ourselves and our community that our differences in culture will not be met with a culture of indifference.

Let’s make a promise to ourselves and our community that we will keep the faith that Australia will continue to be a country where we can safely practice our faith. 

Let’s make a promise to ourselves and our community that we will help to heal those who are hurt.

Let’s make a promise to ourselves and our community that we will strive to work together, talk together, and walk together, bending the arc of history towards a more peaceful and inclusive Australia.

Let’s make that promise here.

Let’s make that promise now. 

Because a better Australia starts with each of us committing to being a better Australian.