I just want Australia back

My family started coming to Australia from the beginning of last century.

They left Malta and became Australian. Their children, through to their great-great-great-grandchildren, are Australian.

Today, Bob Katter proclaimed that he would punch Josh Bevas of channel 9, for questioning his Lebanese heritage.

It was a question that appeared to be levelled in an attempt to discredit Katter’s Australian-ness.

Bob’s response, visceral and emotionally charged as it was, must be seen as a cry for the recognition of his passion for his nation – Australia. I understand this well, because I come from Australia originally too.

So many Australians, who have migrated to this country, or whose families have come over the centuries have chosen this place. People who have come in good faith, to build a better life. To leave their birthplaces behind and be an enthusiastic part of creating something new.

To dissolve into the Australia that was – confident, strong and free.

Decades ago new Australians were expected to become Australian. There was no choice. After all, if you didn’t love it, more than where you came from, why stay?

More than just a place to live, Australia has been interwoven into the identity of its adopted sons and daughters for centuries. All contributing to what was the Australian culture, as red wine and barista coffee slowly replaced milky tea.

In a time before multiculturalism, we had a desire, and a need to assimilate. That didn’t mean disavowing our humanity, but it did mean working hard to learn the ropes and make a new generation of Australians with common values and ideals.

A respect for the Australian flag, her Christian values and way of life.

Multiculturalism simply stokes division, and discourages true integration into what is an amazing egalitarian society. A place without hereditary hierarchy, where we are all afforded the ability for a person to strive and achieve great things.

Just like Bob Katter, in this country a man can change his stars.

We must return to a place that works hard to build on that which makes us strong. To respect our heritage and restore our institutions. We must unashamedly assert Australian culture and leave multiculturalism in the dust.

When people choose Australia, we should commend them for their good choice and help them get along, so we may all get along.

It is impossible for us to be Australian when everyone is fixated on the places people left behind. We have always been a nation of many races, but we must be allowed our Australian culture.

It was the best culture in the world, it will be again.

I just want Australia back.

Matthew Camenzuli started his own software company from the family home in Greystanes in 2002. Less than a decade later he was fighting lobbyists and corruption in the property development industry, and soon became an industry leader in the home building software space. He gained some notoriety in the Liberal Party when, as a member, he sued then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison over preselection appointments at the 2022 election. He ran as an independent candidate against Chris Bowen in 2025. You can follow him on 𝕏 or read more from his blog here.