Strewth What a Flamin’ Good Country We’ve Got Here!
The Australian Republic Movement has joined the nation in celebrating Australia Day.
National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Australia Day is a time for us to celebrate our nation and the people, the places, the wildlife and the things which make us truly unique.
“I acknowledge ongoing debates about the date, but it is our national day and a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation and as a people. We should feel immense pride in our nation and deeply proud to belong here. Whether you’ve got connections to the land and waters through 65,000 years of ancestral ties, your family was chained below decks and sent to a penal colony on the other side of the world or you’ve chosen to call Australia home, we’ve all got one thing in common – we are all Aussies.
“It’s true we are the lucky country. We are the envy of the world in so many ways and today it’s important to revel ‘cause we’ve got it flamin’ good! We live in an island paradise – amazing beaches, rivers and wetlands; fantastic people from all walks of life; incredible spirit, outlook and sense of humour; unique wildlife, plants and locations. We grow world-class food and have a thriving resource sector to feed and power ourselves and the world. We have a strong economy, defence and trade. We have political stability and a robust democracy. We’re proud of our world-leading athletes, musicians, actors, scientists and inventors who have changed the world.
“Today we celebrate the Aussies who invented the hills hoist and cask wine, WiFi, flight recorders, electric drills, pacemakers, spray-on skin, Cochlear implants, ultrasound, penicillin, refrigeration, cervical cancer vaccines, Google Maps, notepads, utes and Vegemite – to name a few. The green and gold pride is overflowing just thinking of all the incredible Aussies out there and the truly inspiring things they’re capable of.
“The other thing we’re absolutely capable of is running our own show. In 1986, through the Australia Act, we severed a lot of the strings which still attached us to the British. We’ve shown we’re capable of creating a remarkable country and driving it forward into prosperity. Now is the time to cut that last cord and remove the British Monarch as our Head of State. It’s no slight to the Brits, we’ll still be the closest friends and allies, but we’ve got capable people here who can do the job.
“We need a true-blue Aussie as Head of State. Someone who can work for us full-time and be fully committed to promoting all things Aussie, including our people, our industry and our tourism – like Charles does for the UK. Australia should stand as equals with any and every country on the world stage.
“This year the King and Queen of Australia, Charles and Camilla, will visit and when they do I ask Aussies to consider if they truly represent today’s Australia. I think when he arrives we should say, ‘thanks Charles, but we’re a proud and capable nation, we’ve got it from here.”