Celebrating Commonwealth Day

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, today represented the Prime Minister at the Commonwealth Day celebration event in Canberra.

“As the Parliamentary Secretary with special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, I am honoured to attend this annual celebration of what unites us as a Commonwealth of Nations,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“Much of Australia’s rich cultural and religious diversity was reflected in the Commonwealth Day Observance celebrations.

“The different nations and customs represented in the ceremony highlight our truly multicultural Commonwealth and showcase the benefits of sharing our heritage and traditions.

“The Commonwealth is one of the oldest international organisations and includes 53 member countries with 30 per cent of the world’s population and 20 per cent of the world’s land mass.

“The Commonwealth is not a community of power, wealth, geography, religion or language. Instead we are united by our shared values and a dedicated commitment to democracy and fairness.”

Senator Fierravanti-Wells said the theme for this year’s celebrations, Team Commonwealth: Transcending the Horizons highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration between Commonwealth nations.

“Today is an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements and enduring role of the Commonwealth,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“Together we have been able to overcome serious obstacles and achieve positive outcomes through teamwork and a dedicated common purpose.

“In the face of the complex challenges of the 21st century we must continue to take practical steps to strengthen our Commonwealth of Nations and ensure its value, relevance and effectiveness continues into the future.”