Italy Celebrates 80 Years of the Republic in Canberra
Canberra’s diplomatic community gathered at the National Portrait Gallery on Tuesday evening to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Italian Republic, hosted by His Excellency Nicola Lerner, Ambassador of Italy to Australia.
The reception brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, defence representatives, business leaders, members of the Italian-Australian community and invited guests to commemorate one of the most significant milestones in modern Italian history.
Republic Day marks the 1946 referendum in which the Italian people voted to establish the Republic, setting Italy on the path towards the adoption of its post-war Constitution and the democratic institutions that continue to shape the nation today.
In his address, Ambassador Lerner reflected on the enduring relevance of the values underpinning the Italian Republic, including peace, democracy, freedom and international cooperation. He noted that 2026 also marks the 80th anniversary of the first elections in which Italian women were able to vote and stand as candidates, describing the milestone as a defining moment in Italy’s democratic development.
The Ambassador highlighted the remarkable contribution Italians and their descendants have made to Australian society, noting their influence across politics, business, research, culture and community life.
“Modern Australia would be difficult to imagine without the contribution of Italians and their descendants,” he said, pointing to the community’s role in helping shape Australia’s multicultural identity.
Ambassador Lerner also emphasised the growing strategic relationship between Australia and Italy, welcoming developments including enhanced defence cooperation, collaboration on critical minerals, scientific research partnerships and the recently concluded negotiations on the European Union-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Representing the Australian Government, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino MP spoke of his own Italian heritage and reflected on the migrant experience that helped shape modern Australia.
Dr Mulino described the Italian-Australian story as one of resilience, hard work, family and community service, noting that around one million Australians claim Italian ancestry.
Reflecting on the significance of the 1946 referendum and the Constitution that followed, he praised Italy’s contribution to democratic governance and European integration, describing the relationship between Australia, Italy and Europe as stronger than ever.
Guests were also invited to view special exhibitions recognising 80 years of women’s achievements in the Italian Republic, alongside displays celebrating Italian innovation, engineering and design through the iconic Mille Miglia motor race.
The evening concluded with a toast to the Italian Republic and the enduring friendship between Australia and Italy, highlighting the deep people-to-people links that continue to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
Michael Keating
Editor-in-Chief, Inside Canberra