An Indigenous politician has delivered a message that has united the country during the Australia Day debate – and led to calls for her to become our next Prime Minister.
“Our country is strongest when we stand together,” Indigenous Australians shadow minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said in her National Day message.
“As my indigenous heritage has taught me, we all belong to this place equally. Regardless of race or origin, your view of this country means you are part of it. Everyone has the opportunity to participate in this place we call home, and in return we faithfully receive the loyalty of camaraderie.
'Our free, democratic and prosperous society is precious. We should be proud of it, celebrate it and, most importantly, never take it for granted,” she wrote for NT News.
Mrs Nampijinpa Price called on people to focus on what unites us rather than divides us.
“There are a lot of things that bring us together and define who we are as Australians, but I think our country has quite a bit to do with it.
“Shaped by the harsh environment and our will to survive in it, we have done more than just survive – we have become successful, resilient and courageous people.”
“Everyone will have the opportunity to participate in this place we call home, and in return will receive the loyalty of camaraderie.”
“Our country is strongest when we stand together,” said Indigenous Australians shadow minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured).
“Whether we were born here or moved in by choice, for better or for worse, we should be proud of our inclusion in the beautiful tapestry that is our landscape and our identity,” she wrote in The Australian.
'We don't shy away from hard yakka; we are loyal to our friends and we help each other. We ensure a level playing field and value every person equally in the eyes of the law. We hold each other to the same standards and do not grant preferential treatment to anyone.'
Ms Nampijinpa Price warned that these core values are not guaranteed to survive unless they are actively protected.
“Remember those who united under one banner and fought for the nation in which we are so privileged today; reflect on the contributions, both historical and current, of Australians to the world; and practicing gratitude – for all those things and more, such as our beautiful natural backyard, our way of life and liberal democratic values.
“Because restoring our national pride and rebuilding our unity depends on each and every one of us. What we do, say and think as individuals matters to the cause. Not just for you or just for me, but for the good of our neighbors and our friends, for the good of Australia and the world, until the end.”
“I want a country that is ready, willing and able to defend itself in the event, God forbid, that we are invaded or attacked by a foreign power.
'A country that does not see standing under one flag as a threat to the core of who we are; a country that stands up for and celebrates all its citizens, regardless of their racial origins.
She also advocated not changing the date of Australia Day.
“Changing the date may bring temporary feelings of victory to a small group of people, but again, it promotes a national mentality of tribalism – one group against another.
“But furthermore, changing the date simply will not improve the lives of the most marginalized. Not once have I heard a plausible explanation for how it would improve the 20 percent of the 3 percent of Indigenous Australians who experience this in this country.
Mrs Nampijinpa Price called on people to focus on what unites us rather than divides us. A smoking ceremony is depicted
Liberal Party Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (centre) is pictured with young Indigenous supporters holding an Australian flag
Many Aussies applauded Senator Price for her message.
“This woman must be our next night. Australia always has our backs.”
'She's a legend. No one owns the land, we are part of it regardless of race and culture,” a second added.
'Not many people have such a common sense approach as Jacinta. Keep fighting the good fight,” said a third.
A fourth added: “Well said. We are all Australian and we all make the best of what life offers us. Either you care for and treat what is offered with pride and respect, or you don't, the choice is yours.”
Another said: 'I agree with everything Jacinta says, she is more intelligent than any politician we pay to run this country.'
The coalition politician's comments came as attendance at Invasion Day rallies – organized to protest Australia Day – fell.
In previous years, such rallies in Sydney often attracted up to 15,000 demonstrators.
But this year, NSW Police estimated the number had fallen by almost 50 per cent to around 8,000.
In Brisbane the numbers were also way down, with the protest barely extending beyond the Queens Gardens – a far cry from the tens of thousands of demonstrators it previously attracted.
Only Australia's protest capital, Melbourne, lived up to expectations; the 30,000 visitors predicted by the organizers seemed to have been reached.
But despite the sharp drop in the number of protesters in some cities and towns, that does not appear to have been replaced by patriotic enthusiasm.
Despite polls showing a revival of enthusiasm for Australia Day celebrations on January 26, there was little overt patriotism on display at Sydney's Bondi Beach, even compared to just a few years earlier.
As sun worshipers flocked to the sand to enjoy an ideal beach day with blue skies and temperatures hovering around 20 degrees on Sunday, few Australian flags or other national insignia and colors were in sight.
The only visible nod to the national holiday was a few men wearing Australian flag caps or T-shirts and the occasional temporary tattoo.
This contrasts with photos from 2022 that show a very different scene, with many women donning Australian bikinis and hats, while others even drape themselves in the national flag.
