Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal National Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

Australia Day is one of my favourite days on the calendar. This year I spent the day in two very special places—Maleny and Kawana—welcoming new Australians at citizenship ceremonies. In Maleny, 24 people proudly became Australian citizens. In Kawana, another 67 did the same. Across the nation, almost 19,000 people chose to call Australia home this year. Standing alongside people as they take the pledge of citizenship is one of the best parts of this job. It is a powerful reminder of the values that bind us together: respect, opportunity, contribution and a shared belief in Australia's future. Our newest Australians strengthen our community, and Fisher is better for having them.

Australia Day is also a time to recognise service, and this year the Fisher electorate was exceptionally well represented in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List. I want to place on the Hansard my congratulations to all our local recipients. Mr David Gole AM of Balmoral Ridge was recognised for significant service to architecture and heritage conservation. Mr John Western AM of Mooloolaba was recognised for significant service to surf lifesaving, an honour received at a time of deep personal loss, just the day after his wife Judy passed away. That must have been incredibly difficult. It reminds us that behind every award is a lifetime of service shared with loved ones that support those people. Mrs Patricia Barry OAM of Caloundra was honoured for her service to lifesaving and to the Sunshine Coast community. Mr James O'Shannessy OAM of Beerwah was recognised for his service to the community through a wide range of roles. My friend Travis Schultz OAM of Mooloolaba was honoured for his service to the law and also the community. Mr Kevin Stroud OAM of Currimundi was recognised for his outstanding service to the Caloundra community. Mrs Margaret Taylor OAM of Maleny was honoured for her service to music and the community. I also acknowledge Group Captain Phillip Godfrey CSC of Buddina, who received the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement in senior officer management within the Royal Australian Air Force.

These honours reflect the very best of Fisher—the quiet dedication, service and leadership that make our community stronger. On Australia Day, we celebrate unity, contribution and the shared story we are all part of, from our newest citizens to those recognised for decades of service. I'm proud to represent the people of Fisher and proud to call the Sunshine Coast home.

See this speech in context