City of Joondalup’s Post

Today is Australian Citizenship Day. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities and privileges we enjoy as Australian citizens. Whether we’ve gained citizenship through birth or by choice, today is a day to take pride in our shared identity. Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, and with that comes the celebration of our shared values—respect for the freedom and dignity of individuals, freedom of religion and association, equality of opportunity, and the enduring right to a 'fair go'. Let’s come together to honor the democratic principles that unite us: mutual respect, tolerance, compassion, and equality for all. As Australian citizens, we affirm our loyalty to this great nation and to its people: "Whose democratic beliefs we share, Whose rights and liberties we respect, And whose laws we uphold and obey." #AustralianCitizenshipDay #DiversityAndUnity #ProudToBeAustralian #EqualityForAll #FairGo

Today is 'Australian Citizenship Day', and having recently transitioned from being a Permanent Resident (after many many years here in Australia) to becoming a Citizen, a day to reflect on "the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens." Take some time today to reflect on the important aspects of being an Australian citizen. #freedom #respect #fairness #equalityofopportunity https://lnkd.in/gDRXzQg3

🌍 As a founding member of the United Nations, Canada has championed human rights since 1945 and ratified seven major international human rights treaties. Our commitment to equality, dignity and respect remains strong—both at home and abroad. On Human Rights Day, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and reflect on the work still ahead to ensure a future where everyone’s rights are protected. 🎥 Learn more about Canada’s ongoing efforts to promote human rights for all. #HumanRights Department of Justice Canada | Ministère de la Justice du Canada | Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada

While a day off after the holiday season is always welcome—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a long weekend—I’ve often wondered, since becoming Australian long ago, why so many non-Indigenous Australians celebrate Australia Day. For me, colonization (which, of course, can’t be erased from our history) has caused and continues to cause deep suffering for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. So, what are we really celebrating? Is it the land, the people, or something else entirely? And if that ‘something else’ is tied to colonization, how do we reconcile that with the shared suffering it caused—and is still causing today? I’ve often felt that this celebration—whether it’s about barbecues, fireworks, or community events—misses a deeper reflection on what this day truly means. Many non-Indigenous Australians may not feel connected to colonization or its impacts, especially those whose families arrived much later. But even if colonization feels distant, its systems of inequality and harm still shape our society today. For Indigenous Australians, January 26th is a painful reminder of dispossession, cultural loss, and systemic oppression. For non-Indigenous Australians, the suffering is less visible but no less real—class divides, rigid hierarchies, and male-dominated systems that continue to limit opportunities and wellbeing for many. This suffering is mutual, yet the understanding is fragmented. So, what does it mean to celebrate Australia Day if it’s tied to a history that caused—and is still causing—so much harm? For me, the key is understanding—not just of what colonization took from Indigenous Australians, but how it also created systems that continue to harm non-Indigenous Australians today. When we, as Australians, acknowledge this shared suffering, we can move beyond division. Together, we could build a day that truly celebrates freedom, prosperity, and wellbeing for everyone. And of course, we’d still get to enjoy the day off—or maybe even a long weekend.

#anyotherdayforaustraliaday So today I saw this brilliant article by Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia written in 2016, and they actually nominate April 11 - today (just) as one of the 8 days to change the date of Australia Day to. They rational is brilliant, for today was the day in 1973 that the 'White Australia policy was abolished. As the article puts it "The 'Immigration Restriction Act' goes all the way back to Federation time. Over several decades many racist elements of the act, including dictation tests and restrictive rights to non-white migrants, were repealled. But it wasn't until April 11, 1973 that Gough Whitlam's government finally abolished all notes of racism with the 'The Migration Act' of 1973." So there you go, April 11, with your support could soon be the big day to celebrate Australia #anyotherdayforaustraliaday https://lnkd.in/gMjs_Dpj

### 🌏 Albanese's Cabinet Reshuffle: A New Dawn for Immigration and Multiculturalism 🌏 *Key Points:* 1. *Cabinet Reshuffle Opportunity:*   - Tony Burke's new roles in home affairs, immigration, and multicultural affairs.   - A chance to reshape perceptions and foster an anti-racist approach. 2. *Changing the Narrative:*   - Moving away from negative labels like "illegal immigrants" and "queue jumpers."   - Recognizing the legal right to seek asylum. 3. *Economic Contributions:*   - Skilled migrants positively impact the economy.   - Highlighting the agricultural skills of refugees and asylum seekers. 4. *Historical Context:*   - Addressing the legacy of the White Australia policy.   - Embracing the rich history of non-white migration in Australia. 5. *First Nations Acknowledgment:*   - Celebrating First Nations cultures as essential to genuine reconciliation.   - Understanding multiculturalism's incomplete without equality for all. 6. *Action Against Racism:*   - Political leaders must lead with anti-racist words and actions.   - Holding public figures accountable for inciting racial violence and hatred. 7. *Future Framework:*   - The Australian Human Rights Commission's national anti-racism framework.   - Guiding government and society in addressing and preventing racism. 8. *Inclusive Australia:*   - Embracing pluralism and inclusivity to strengthen national identity.   - Recognizing the dignity and contributions of all who arrive in Australia. 🗣️ *Let's create a truly inclusive society where every voice is heard and respected.* #MulticulturalAustralia #AntiRacism #NewBeginnings

Far-Reaching Implications From the "Technicalities" Of How Someone Became a Citizen I recently had a consultation with a lady born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent between 1934 and 1941. She naturalized in the United States, but in talking to her, I realized she actually may already have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth. Either way, she's a U.S. citizen so why does the difference matter? --> Because she wants to apply for a European citizenship by descent that might hinge on whether she expatriated by naturalizing elsewhere (here, the U.S.) before a certain date. Acquisition of citizenship at birth and NATURALIZATION (becoming a citizen after birth) are two different things. They have two different sets of knock-on effects with far-reaching implications. Even decades and generations later. #dualcitizenship #naturalization #citizenship

This has certainly become a contentious issue and one that is polarising in our communities. Australia Day is a celebration of all who make Australia what it is today. It is a day where we practice inclusion, not an exclusion. Consider this; if the date was changed, it would still be called Australia Day. Nothing changes except for the date. Alternately, we could call it Inclusion Day to celebrate the inclusion of all those of different heritage, gender, sexual preference and belief systems that make this country so great. #australia #australiaday

Knowledgable panel with different perspectivs.