National Citizenship Ceremony
I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
Your Excellency, distinguished guests one and all.
My fellow Australians and my very-soon-to-be fellow Australians.
Every citizenship ceremony is an extraordinary event, a solemn occasion and a joyous one.
A formal commitment – and a warm embrace.
My great predecessor Ben Chifley officiated at the very first of these ceremonies 75 years ago, across the lake at Albert Hall.