Speech - Australians of the Year Lunch

I’d like to start by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people whose land we are gathered on today. I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and I who celebrate the diversity of First Nations people, their ongoing cultures and traditions, their educational practices and their connection to the land, water and skies. I also extend my respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here with us today. 

I'd like to acknowledge my good friend, colleague and fellow West Australian, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, the Honourable Patrick Gorman. I'd also like to acknowledge the National Australia Day Council board members and staff, and of course, Australian of The Year alumni and the 2025 nominees. That's about as much of my speech as I'm going to read. 

It is such an incredible honour and privilege, and indeed so humbling, to be in a room here today with so many amazing Australians. You know, I often say that in our lives we don't often take time to look through the rearview mirror. 

One of the common themes speaking to the Young Australians of the Year nominees this morning was two things. The first of all was that element of surprise that they were even nominated or recognised for the work that they're doing. And the second thing that I noticed, was they talked about what everybody else has achieved, and how wonderful all the other nominees are, and how great the achievements of all the other nominees are. 

But I want to say, to not just the Young Australian of the Year nominees, but to all the nominees, that you are here because of what you have achieved to date. But for many of you, that has meant overcoming some incredible adversity, some really great challenges, a lot of self-doubt and at times doubt from others as well. 

So, I'd like to ask you all to use this as a time to look into that review mirror. Just take a moment to look into that rearview mirror and reflect on how far you've come as well. You are here because of how far you've come. You are here because of those incredible challenges that you overcame, because of the perseverance and the passion that you showed in making a difference and trying to make a difference to the lives of the people around you. And for that, you are an incredible inspiration. For that you are an incredible Australian. And for that, you deserve to be acknowledged.

So, as you look in the rearview mirror, take that time today, because from now on, going forward, it's all going to be straight in through that front windscreen as you move forward. I wish all the nominees all the very best of luck. And I want to say a huge, heartfelt congratulations to all of you, not just for being nominated for Australian of the year, not just for the work that you're being recognised, but for the things that you do every day, for the selflessness that you exhibit in the things that you do every day to make life better for the others and the people that are around you. 

Thank you. And good luck to all the recipients.