Damon Mcknight
Australia Day, currently celebrated on 26 January, has been a public holiday since 1994. However, the date has been protested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities since 1938, who refer to it as a Day of Mourning, Invasion or Survival. This is because the date marks the beginning of policies and practices that sought to erase Indigenous people, their culture and language. In recent years, there has been growing support for changing the date of Australia Day, with the most popular alternative date being 27 May, which is Reconciliation Day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current date of Australia Day | 26 January |
| Alternative dates considered | 27 May (Reconciliation Day), 1 January, or another date that doesn't offend First Nations people |
| Public holiday status | Yes, since 1994 |
| History of date | Marks the day the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove in 1788 |
| Protests and alternative names | Protests since as early as 1938; referred to as Invasion Day or Survival Day by some |
| Public opinion | Mixed, with some polls showing majority support for keeping the date and others indicating growing support for a change |
| Political involvement | Politicians have commented on the issue, with some opposing and others acknowledging the sensitivity of the date |
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What You'll Learn
The history of Australia Day and its significance
Australia Day, celebrated annually on 26 January, marks the day the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove in 1788. While some Australians view this day as a modern tradition worth protecting and a celebration of what Australia looks like today, others associate it with the beginning of the systematic oppression of Indigenous people and their culture. This discrepancy has sparked a debate about changing the date of Australia Day to make it a more inclusive national celebration.
The date of 26 January has been contested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities since as early as 1938, with many recognising it as a Day of Mourning, Invasion or Survival. Indigenous groups have been protesting the date for over 90 years, highlighting that it marks the beginning of policies and practices that sought to erase their culture, language, and presence from their lands. The legacy of this history has contributed to ongoing disparities in health and financial outcomes, higher incarceration rates, and a greater number of children in out-of-home care for First Nations people.
Support for retaining 26 January as Australia Day appears to be slipping, with growing numbers of people, particularly younger Australians, open to changing the date. A University of South Australia survey found that 67% of respondents did not mind when Australia Day was held as long as there was a dedicated day for national celebration. The most popular alternative date suggested in the survey was 27 May, Reconciliation Day, followed by 1 January, marking the date Australia became a nation in 1901.
Changing the date of Australia Day is seen as a step towards reconciliation and inclusivity, acknowledging the perspectives of Indigenous communities and recognising the nation's oldest continuous culture. While it will not undo the detrimental impacts of colonialism or address centuries of marginalisation, it is a gesture towards healing and inclusivity. Opponents of changing the date argue that it is a modern tradition worth preserving and that changing the date will not solve the complexities of colonialism or immediately rectify historical wrongs.
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Arguments for changing the date
Australia Day, celebrated annually on 26 January, has been a national public holiday since 1994. However, the date has been protested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders since as early as 1938, with many recognising it as an annual Day of Mourning, Invasion or Survival.
Lack of Inclusivity
The current date of Australia Day is not inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, who have called Australia home for over 60,000 years. The date marks the beginning of their dispossession and trauma, with the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson, Sydney, in 1788. By changing the date, Australia can move towards a national day that is inclusive of all Australians and embraces or at least acknowledges Indigenous peoples and cultures.
Symbolism of the Date
January 26 symbolises the Australia of the past, not the future that many hope to build. The date positions European settlement as the primary source of national identity and pride, ignoring the rich pre-colonial history and multicultural migration that has contributed to modern Australia. Changing the date would be a step towards recognising and valuing Indigenous histories and cultures as a part of the Australian story.
Reconciliation and Unity
Changing the date of Australia Day is a step towards reconciliation and unity. It demonstrates a willingness to move forward together as a unified country, acknowledging and respecting the pain and history of Indigenous communities. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate the nation's collective history, while helping to break down colonially embedded stigmas and prejudices.
Alternative Dates
Some popular alternative dates for Australia Day have been suggested, including 27 May, Reconciliation Day, which would be a symbolic choice, and 1 January, marking the date in 1901 when Australia became a nation.
Raising Awareness
Changing the date of Australia Day can help raise awareness about the fraught symbolism of January 26 and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. It can spark conversations about Australia's shared values and promote a more inclusive and unified national identity.
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Arguments against changing the date
There are several arguments against changing the date of Australia Day, which falls on 26 January. One common argument is that changing the date would be a mere tokenistic gesture and would not address the full detriment of non-Indigenous actions or solve the long-term, ongoing impacts and complexities of colonialism. Some believe that changing the date is unnecessary and that the focus should instead be on moving forward as a unified country. For some, January 26 is a modern tradition worth protecting, a celebration of what Australia looks like today.
Another argument against changing the date is the idea that Australia Day should be a day of national celebration that includes everyone, and that changing the date would exclude those who view 26 January as a significant day in Australia's history. This argument is supported by the fact that there is diversity among Indigenous people, with different perspectives and views. Furthermore, changing the date of Australia Day has lacked sufficient political and public support in the past, with some governments even depriving councils of their powers to hold citizenship ceremonies in response to their refusal to hold them on 26 January.
Some also argue that changing the date is unnecessary, as it would not magically undo centuries of marginalisation and disadvantage faced by Indigenous communities. Instead, it is argued that what is needed are policies designed in concert with Indigenous communities and leaders, representation in important places, and an understanding of past wrongs.
Finally, some believe that the date of Australia Day is not as important as addressing the issues faced by Indigenous communities today, such as the huge differences in health and financial outcomes, higher rates of incarceration, and the number of children in out-of-home care.
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How to have a conversation about changing the date
The date of Australia Day, 26 January, has been contested for over 90 years. For some, it is a day of mourning, invasion, or survival, while others see it as a modern tradition worth protecting. As the debate continues, here is a guide on how to have a conversation about changing the date.
First, it is important to understand the context and history of the date. 26 January marks the day the Union Jack was raised at Port Jackson on the land of the Eora clans, an event that began the systematic oppression of Indigenous people, their culture, and language. This history cannot be detached from the date, and the legacy of this oppression continues to impact Indigenous communities today.
When discussing the topic, it is crucial to acknowledge the different perspectives and experiences of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. For Indigenous people, the date often evokes feelings of pain, exclusion, and marginalisation. It is a reminder of the dispossession and oppression their communities have endured. Non-Indigenous Australians may have a different relationship with the date, seeing it as a celebration of modern Australia and a moment to pause and reflect.
When engaging in a conversation about changing the date, it is essential to listen respectfully to these differing viewpoints and try to understand each other's perspectives. Those who oppose changing the date may argue that it is tokenistic and that it does not address the deeper issues of colonialism and reconciliation. They may also value the tradition and continuity associated with the current date. However, proponents of changing the date believe that doing so is a step towards reconciliation and inclusivity, signalling a willingness to move forward together as a unified country.
To address common arguments against changing the date, it is important to emphasise that changing the date is not a solution in itself, but a symbolic gesture. It does not minimise the importance of addressing more profound issues, such as treaties, land back, deaths in custody, climate justice, and reparations. However, changing the date can be a step towards creating an inclusive national day of celebration that respects the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous Australians.
Finally, it is worth considering alternative dates for Australia Day that are not offensive to First Nations people. One popular suggestion is 27 May, Reconciliation Day, which could be a day of learning, respect, and reconciliation for all Australians. Another possibility is 1 January, marking the date in 1901 when Australia became a nation. Ultimately, the conversation about changing the date is an opportunity to listen, learn, and find common ground, with the shared goal of creating a more inclusive and respectful national celebration.
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Alternative dates for Australia Day
Australia Day, celebrated annually on 26 January, has been protested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities since 1938. For many Indigenous Australians, the date commemorates the start of a dark period in their history, marking the beginning of policies and practices that sought to erase their culture, language, and people.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to change the date of Australia Day to promote inclusivity and reconciliation. Here are some suggested alternative dates for Australia Day:
1 January: This date marks the anniversary of Australian Federation and nationhood in 1901. It symbolises unity and the coming together of Australia as a nation.
17 September: On this day in 1973, the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 was renamed the Australian Citizenship Act, leading to the adoption of Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September. This date also holds historical significance, with Governor Phillip meeting Bennelong and his people with gifts and an apology in 1790.
27 May: Reconciliation Day on 27 May has gained popularity as an alternative date for Australia Day. It is seen as a day to foster reconciliation and improve the inclusivity of the celebrations for First Nations communities.
3 December: The Eureka Stockade on 3 December has been proposed as an alternative choice for Australia Day since the 1880s. The Eureka uprising in 1854 was a failed rebellion by miners against the Victorian colonial government, but it led to significant reforms and is considered the birthplace of Australian democracy.
While changing the date of Australia Day may not address the full detriment of colonial impacts on Indigenous communities, it is seen as a step towards reconciliation and inclusivity. These alternative dates aim to find a day that all Australians can celebrate and be proud of, embracing the diverse history and cultures that make up the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
'Change the Date' Australia is a movement that seeks to change the date of Australia Day, which is currently celebrated on 26 January.
People who support changing the date believe that 26 January is not inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as it marks the beginning of their systematic oppression. They argue that the date should be changed to one that does not offend First Nations people and instead embraces their cultures.
Suggested alternative dates include 27 May, which is Reconciliation Day, and 1 January, marking the date in 1901 when Australia became a nation.
Those who oppose changing the date argue that 26 January is a modern tradition worth protecting and a celebration of what Australia looks like today. They may also believe that changing the date will not address the full detriment of non-Indigenous actions nor solve the long-term impacts of colonialism.
