by NAZIYA ALVI RAHMAN – LIBERAL Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to force all local councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26—Australia Day.
“I don’t want us to be divided. I want us to stand up for what we believe in – we will do that again – and we will have pride again in our country,” Mr Dutton said.
- Many councils have opted to avoid celebrating on the January 26th.
- It symbolised Labor’s broad disdain for Australia Day.
- Labor politicians have attempted to quickly backtrack.
Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet to Australia, marking the beginnings of European settlement and development of Australia.
Under rule changes introduced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in 2022, local councils were given flexibility to hold citizenship ceremonies “around” January 26 – with a three-day window either side of the date.
SENSITIVITIES
In recent years, many councils have opted to avoid celebrating on the 26th due to “cultural sensitivities” towards Aboriginals.
At the same time, a number of councils have chosen to overturn previous decisions and host citizenship events on Australia Day.
Despite his 2022 policy changes, Mr Albanese this year defended the national day, saying he would be attending the Canberra ceremony.
“I’ll be here in Canberra at the national event. I encourage Peter Dutton to come to the national event. I always did when I was opposition leader,” he said.
The Prime Minister has reinvented his belief in the importance of Australia Day as “an inclusive celebration”.
“It’s fantastic that that occurs, and I hope that there’s bipartisan support,” he added.
Labor politicians have attempted to quickly backtrack in their efforts to dilute Australia Day after polling showed the vast majority of voters were pro January 26.
Dutton’s statements were not limited to local council ceremonies; he also took aim at a recent decisions by Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith – a former Labor minister.
Initially, Mr Smith had decided not to attend the Australia Day Gala in London, an event that has long been a significant part of the celebration in the UK.
The gala is traditionally attended by prominent figures, including the high commissioner, the equivalent of an ambassador.
Dutton took aim at Smith’s decision, calling it “beyond comprehension” and indicating that it symbolised Labor’s broad disdain for Australia Day.
“What other developed country refuses to acknowledge its national day?” he asked, suggesting that if Smith was ashamed of Australia Day, he should return to Australia.
Mr Smith, however, reversed his decision, opting to rearrange his travel plans so he could attend the event.
A spokesperson for the High Commission confirmed that he would deliver a “personal message” from Prime Minister Albanese at the event.PC
