New Aussies to celebrate national day

The nation will welcome more than 16,000 new citizens on Tuesday as Australia Day is
celebrated amid traditional fun and games and a fresh burst of debate over national
symbols.
Thousands will flock to music concerts, big barbecues, the beach and even a
cockroach race on the national holiday marking the First Fleet's arrival on Sydney's
shores in 1788.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will preside over a citizenship ceremony in Canberra, one
of 358 being held around the country to welcome people from 144 countries who will
pledge allegiance to Australia.
The lead-up to Australia Day 2010 has revived the seemingly perennial debates about
changing the Australian flag and national anthem.
The row over the flag resurfaced when media personality Ray Martin, a board member
of the new flag group Ausflag, said he objected to having the British flag on the
corner of the Australian flag.
"We have well and truly reached the point where we should have our own flag. I think
we have to grow up and move on to the next stage," he said.
Greens leader Bob Brown said it was high time the Union Jack was replaced with a
dinkum Australian symbol on the flag.
"I call on Kevin Rudd to give Australians the opportunity at the next federal
election to vote for a new symbol for our flag that properly reflects the country we
are today," he said in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the flag should remain as it is, while
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the ensign represented our history and future and
there was no need for change.
Talk about overthrowing the national anthem has been more muted.
It followed an online survey by travel website totaltravel.com, which revealed that
36 per cent were satisfied with Advance Australia Fair while 60 per cent wanted it
ditched.
I Am Australian, featured in Telstra's advertising campaigns, was the preferred
alternative anthem, backed by 43 per cent of respondents.
Australian troops in the Middle East and Afghanistan will mark Australia Day with
barbecues and sporting events. But in line with current policy, no beer will be
served.
In Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, Australians will take on Dutch and United States
personnel in cricket.
There'll also be volleyball, Aussie rules, handball and rugby league competitions,
as well as thong throwing and softball.