Australia Day: A Call for Unity, Truth, and Gratitude

Reflecting on our shared journey and the strength of our Commonwealth

As a gay Australian and a person of faith, I find myself increasingly weary of the divisive rhetoric that surrounds our national day. To me, Australia is not a collection of grievances; it is a successful, multicultural nation built on a system of law that has provided us with stability, freedom, and the right to live our lives authentically.

While I hold a deep and abiding respect for the world’s oldest living culture—our Aboriginal brothers and sisters—I cannot subscribe to the term "Invasion Day." We are One Nation. Using language that seeks to dismantle our shared identity only serves to alienate those who love this country.

"What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?"
— Psalm 116:12, The text of the first sermon preached on Australian soil by Rev. Richard Johnson, Feb 3, 1788.

Identity vs. The "Alphabet Soup"

I look at publications like QNews and see endless lists of "Invasion Day" rallies. It seems the LGBTIQ+ community is expected to jump on the end of every radical cause, but I simply cannot relate. I am a proud Aussie; I might be gay, but I don't follow every activist trend because I know who I am.

Perhaps the most "crazy" example of this is the "Queers for Palestine" movement. It is a joke. I recently wrote about the death of irony surrounding this issue. In many of those countries, someone like me would have their head chopped off or be thrown from a building. Yet, here in Australia, these activists protest the very legal system and Western values that keep them safe. If you want to protest the country that gives you everything, perhaps, as Pauline Hanson said, you should find a new home where you can appreciate what you’ve lost.

The Spiritual Need for Meaning

There is a spiritual void in this modern obsession with labels. People are desperately trying to identify as something—anything—because they don't actually know themselves. As Viktor Frankl suggested, the search for meaning is paramount, and knowing God is the key to knowing oneself. Without that spiritual anchor, people drift into radicalism and "nonsense." We need a return to the sensible centre and the values that built this Great South Land.

Historical Truths Matter

In our current "woke" climate, facts get lost. Captain James Cook arrived in 1770, 18 years before the First Fleet. The arrival in 1788 brought the foundations of Western legal tradition and Christian faith. You can read more about this in this reimagined account of Reverend Richard Johnson's first sermon.

Standing Against Radicalism

Recent tragedies, like the mass shooting in Bondi, remind us of what is truly "un-Australian." Violence and radical ideologies—whether from the far-left or Islamic extremism—have no place here. Having experienced the intensity of the far-left in my university years, I know the pendulum eventually swings back to common sense. We must be brave enough to call it out.

A Prayer for Our Nation

Gracious God, we thank You for this Great South Land of the Holy Spirit. We thank You for the freedoms we enjoy and the laws that protect us. Comfort those who still grieve from the tragedies at Bondi, and guide us away from the paths of radicalism. Let the pendulum of our hearts swing back toward peace, grace, and unity. Amen.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are personal and do not reflect the official position of any government office or representative.