Unity on Australia Day

The desire for Australia Day to be a patriotic day uniting ‘ALL’ Australians is a sentiment shared by many. We all want a day we can commemorate together, a day that showcases our national identity and celebrates the unique culture and spirit of our nation.?

However, January 26 will never be that day.?

The controversy surrounding Australia Day, tied to the arrival of the First Fleet and the subsequent dispossession of Indigenous land, plus the commencement of British usage of Australia as a repository to address congested prisons and orphanages, sets it apart from many other nations' celebrations.?

In contrast, most countries choose dates that symbolize unity, independence, or the forging of a collective identity.??

As our nation grapples with this complex issue, there has been a shift led by many Local Governments across the country towards more inclusive celebrations that respect and honor all aspects of Australia's history, being held on days other than January 26. Because the underlying truth is, the current date of Australia Day on January 26 continues to perpetuate division rather than foster unity.?

Following the establishment of the Federation in 1901, the predominant national holiday was not January 26, but rather "Empire Day," which was celebrated on May 24. The inception of Australia Day occurred in 1915 as part of a fundraising initiative for the First World War, with the celebration held on July 30th. By 1935, all states reached a consensus to adopt the name Australia Day and officially observe it on January 26. It was subsequently declared a national public holiday in 1994.

But the decision has caused controversy and protest ever since, with January 26th being declared a national day of mourning by our First Nations people in 1938.

To truly unite Australia, the Federal Government must acknowledge the complexities of holding our national day on January 26 and make a bold decision regarding changing the date of Australia Day. We all want a day we can celebrate together, on the same date, which should not be up to individual Local Governments to determine.?

By aligning the nation's celebration with a date that respects and includes ‘ALL’ Australians, embracing and celebrating the richness of our multicultural society, the government can demonstrate a commitment to unity, diversity and a shared national narrative, creating a sense of belonging for all Australians.

It's time for political courage to prevail, steering Australia towards a future where Australia Day embodies the collective spirit of the whole nation. Take guidance from our own national anthem:

?“With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair”

** PLEASE NOTE - my views are my own and not representative of any organisations that I am affiliated with.