It's a privilege to welcome our newest citizens

There are a lot of great things about being a local member of parliament but it is hard to top the privilege of conducting a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.

Sunday's ceremonies - a big one at the Logan Entertainment Centre and a smaller one at Trinder Park nursing home - gave more than 150 people from all corners of the globe the opportunity to officially join Australia's ranks, with all the responsibilities and rights that brings.

For David and Lorraine and the fantastic Rochedale Springwood Lions, plus their friends in Southern Cross Voices, the Australia Day citizenship ceremony has become a fine tradition. To be able to present the certificates and lead the oath at their ceremony was a fantastic honour.

Even more uplifting than the formal ceremony are the conversations that take place afterwards over a cup of tea. Everyone has a different story but they have one thing in common: they chose Australia. I wish everyone could see the look on their faces when they talk about that choice.

Unfortunately on Australia Day, a tiny minority of people use the day to talk Australia down, or to criticise the multiculturalism that gives our country and our community a real sense of dynamism and verve.

Thankfully whether it is in our local Logan community or elsewhere throughout Australia, the vast majority of people welcome and cherish our new citizens.

After all, apart from the original aboriginal inhabitants of this country, we are all migrants of one kind or another.

As I said in my Australia Day speech, the onus is on all of us to understand, nourish and advance the Fair Go in Australia, not just on our national day but every day. That means looking out for each other and looking after each other.

I know the wonderful families I met this Australia Day will play their part in that task.

Published in the Logan Reporter Friday, January 31, 2014.

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