Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General
Two months ago we saw the Western Australian nominees announced at Government House. Now we farewell them to Canberra. They each take inspiration for the nation with them.
The Australian of the Year Awards have been recognising Australian spirit since 1960. One hundred years earlier the building in which we now gather first opened. The Constitutional Centre of Western Australia started as the first secondary school in Western Australia in 1858.
Two years later, a young man from Bunbury arrived on the steps of this school. Dust, scrub, and horse manure lined the streets. The state parliament was 40 years from being built. But it was here that John Forrest got his education, and developed a "healthy ego" that would see him become our first Premier. Introducing compulsory education, opening the wheatbelt and building Fremantle Harbour.
In his spare time he helped write Australia's Constitution. Including Section 95 of the Constitution enshrining the first, but not final, special consideration from the Commonwealth for Western Australia.
WA recipients
The idea at the heart of that Constitution is simple: we achieve more when the Commonwealth, states and territories work together to improve the lives of Australians. Just as our outstanding nominees do each and every day.
People like to say that the Constitution is a 'living' document. Which leads me to ask, what if we meant that literally?
People talk about horoscopes, lucky numbers and whether they are a cat or dog person. But there is a question we should ask more often:
'What part of Section 51 of the Australian Constitution are you?'
Luckily for our nominees, I have thought about yours for you.
Dianne Haggerty and Ian Haggerty
Whilst I was initially tempted to go with section 51(xxi), 'Marriage,' for obvious reasons, that doesn't even begin to tell Dianne and Ian's story. Dianne and Ian are pioneers of modern farming practises that work within natural systems.
If Dianne and Ian were a section of the Constitution, they would be the External Affairs power in section 51(xxix). The work they do with sustainable farming technology has had a positive impact causing ripples across the nation and the globe. Representing the very best of Australia on the world stage.
Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM
Co-founder of one of the largest volunteer organisations in Western Australia, with an innovative world-first design that allows wheelchairs to grow with the child. It is hard to imagine the magnitude of the impact of his invention, and his 27 years of service.
Brother Olly has gifted more than 60,000 custom built wheelchairs. In terms of positive impact, Brother Olly might be one of Australia's greatest inventors with his all-terrain wheelchair. Embodying the spirit of section 51(xviii), which covers inventions and designs.
Jack Anderson
Passionate about greater equity and educational access in Australia and beyond through his work first with ThrivEd, and now Elucidate Education. Jack makes me think of section 51(v), telegraphic and telephonic services. Back when the Constitution was written, the power of telegraph lines meant the power to overcome one of Australia's most significant issues. Distance. Connecting people to one another and to opportunity.
Jack's work does the exact same thing. Creating connections through providing education for students in some of the most socio-economically disadvantaged, rural and Indigenous students. Overcoming their biggest obstacles, connecting them into opportunity and empowering them for success.
Dr Jacinta Vu
A skilled Oral Medicine Specialist who has dedicated her time to helping women escaping domestic violence with their oral and dental health. Initially, I was tempted by section 51(xxiiiA), which allows for a variety of allowances and benefits, including medical and dental services. Services that Jacinta donates pro bono, restoring dignity, self-esteem and confidence as victims rebuild their lives.
Which is why Dr Vu encapsulates section 51(vii). This section refers to lighthouses, lightships, beacons and buoys. In some of the roughest seas a person can experience, Dr Vu is there as a beacon of hope. Helping people smile again in their darkest days.
Meaning of Australia Day
As Australians, there is much of which we can be proud and Australia Day is part of that. Part of a week that brings Australians together. Sharing stories and ideas for our future.
It means something different to every one of the 27 million Australians. Because we are all part of the story of Australia. A story that started 2,500 generations, ago, and continues to grow every day as we welcome Australia's newest citizens.
Conclusion
None of our nominees set out to win at the National Awards, and Australia is already winning by benefiting from your contributions.
But you do deserve the recognition, and your messages deserve a national platform.
I look forward to seeing you in Canberra, and watching your stories as you continue to personify the Australia spirit and make great changes.
Congratulations, and good luck!
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