24 January 2014

“Over my lifetime, Australia Day has been transformed. On a busy rural property as a child, I remember we didn’t draw breath - at best it was like any other day of the year. It’s a different story today. We welcome the chance to stop and remind ourselves how good we have it. It’s a proud day and a happy day. Unlike Anzac Day, steeped in emotion and remembrance, Australia Day is distinct. And it should remain so. Yes, it’s a day for reflecting on our national identity, but as importantly, it is about enjoying our good fortune, particularly in the cricket, taking it easy and belting out the anthem.

“As Australians, we have much to be grateful for and great things to look forward to. Along with a growing chorus, I believe that our country is poised on the brink of a food and fibre boom. As the developing world moves from rural poverty into urban middle class, our primary industries have the chance to capitalise. But it is only a chance, and making the most of this will require a huge amount of work and determination. We are not there yet, but this is a priority both for me personally, and for the Government.

“In the rush of our day to day lives, and with the concerns of a dry summer, it is always easy to lose focus on this bigger picture. But Australia Day is our opportunity to look beyond the short term focus that overwhelms our lives most of the time.

“For communities across Hume, this should be all good news. Our grain growers, our beef and lamb and fruit producers, can all share the spoils, if our country sees this immense opportunity for what it is - and manages it well.

“We have to talk up the benefits of openness for agriculture. And we have to go hard after the markets which most advantage our best food and fibre exporters. If there’s one message I want to leave you with this Australia Day, it is that we should back our strengths. Pursuing opportunities where we excel will make us strong, as a country and as a community.”

An excerpt from his 2014 Australia Day address by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor to be given at Jubilee Park, Cootamundra.