Boa tarde, your Excellency, distinguished guests, and everyone here today to celebrate Brazil’s National Day.
Now – Australia and Brazil have much in common.
We both find ourselves in the same Southern half of the world, with the climate and resources that make us the envy of many.
We both have rich Indigenous histories, with years of migration shaping diverse, modern, multicultural societies.
And as firm supporters of democratic principles, and human rights, and as trading nations and middle powers – we have a shared interest in the international rules-based system, and making sure it remains open, effective, and fair.
One other thing binds us, of course.
And that’s sport. Specifically – soccer.
Though maybe to Brazil, these things are synonymous!
Australia too – has a place in our sporting heart for soccer. Just look at recent crowds in our capital cities, watching the Socceroos in the earliest hours of the morning, or the Matildas-frenzy that swept the nation during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
I get it – I played soccer growing up, I stayed up past my bedtime to watch games on SBS, and even now you might find me playing on the Wednesday mornings I’m down here in Canberra.
Thousands will be watching our Socceroo’s play the Brazil National Team in Townsville and Brisbane later this month – and I can’t wait for the Matildas’ return to Brazil next year to compete in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Now in saying all this, while I respect Brazil’s legendary football prowess – winning the FIFA Men’s World Cup five times.
It is Marta Vieira da Silva in the women’s team who means so much to me as a football lover, as she does to many.
Marta, who is so famous she only needs one name.
Marta, who has scored over 100 goals for Brazil and who is regarded by many as the greatest female footballer of all time.
Marta – who learned to play football in the streets alongside the boys, and went on to be awarded FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year six times.
Marta is yet another reason to celebrate Brazil, but not the only one.
Because that is what today is all about.
Brazil is our diplomatic partner of over 80 years – our tenth oldest bilateral relationship.
One of our most important trade and investment partners in Latin America – with our companies active across Brazil in mining, energy, finance, infrastructure, health and technology. With Brazilian companies similarly investing here – in agribusiness, manufacturing, transport and retail.
We work together, internationally, to mitigate the effects of climate change, support sustainable development, and promote open and fair trade.
While Brazil has hosted the Olympics and World Cups, it's their hosting of COP last year and the hosting of UNOC next year that stand out as examples of their leadership.
Our growing cooperation in the energy transition – is delivering opportunities in critical minerals, renewable energy, sustainable fuels, bioenergy, green industry and new technology.
And of course – there’s our people.
The Brazilian diaspora is the largest Latin American community in Australia – with almost 50,000 who are Brazil-born, and close to 40,000 with Brazilian ancestry at last count.
And it shouldn’t be a surprise that most prefer to stay close to warmer weather and the beach, with most of the diaspora living in Sydney, or in Sydney’s beachside suburbs – or in Queensland, up in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast!
Sun-loving people, who ground our relationship, and help to bring our countries closer together every day.
And I welcome and thank those who are here today, braving the brisk Canberra spring, instead of on a beach or in a backyard enjoying another tradition we share – barbeques with family, friends and neighbours.
On behalf of the Australian Government and people, I extend my warm congratulations to the Government and people of Brazil on your National Day.
And to use today to celebrate all we have in common, and what is ahead – a stronger partnership, an even deeper friendship between people – and even more sport. Obrigado – thank you.