Every January 26, Australians commemorate their national day - but the meaning of the date is fiercely debated. For some, it’s a day of celebration, marked by fireworks, parades, and ceremonies. For others, it’s a day of mourning, symbolising the start of colonisation and the pain that followed for Indigenous Australians.
1News Australia correspondent Aziz Al Sa'afin explains why.
A contentious history
January 26 sparks celebrations for some, but for others, it’s a painful reminder of colonisation. (Source: 1News)
Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, an event that began British sovereignty over the continent. For many Indigenous Australians, however, the date signifies the beginning of land theft, cultural oppression, and massacres that decimated entire communities.
Yvonne Weldon, the chairwoman of the Australia Day Council of NSW, acknowledges the divide but hopes the day can encourage reflection.
“This year’s theme is reflect, respect, and celebrate,” Weldon said.
But for others, January 26 is a reminder of tragedy. Indigenous-led protests have grown significantly in recent years, with marchers calling for recognition of the past and action to address systemic inequalities.
Many protest events also include flags flown at half-mast, moments of silence, and commemorations for Indigenous lives lost in massacres.
Calls for change
The debate has prompted calls to change the date of Australia Day or abolish the celebrations entirely. Some businesses have stepped back from recognising the day as a public holiday, allowing employees to substitute it for a different date.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently scrapped rules forcing councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26, with more than 80 councils opting out of marking the day.
The move sparked criticism from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who said, “I don’t want to be told by woke CEOs and a weak Prime Minister that I can’t celebrate Australia Day.”
However, Albanese maintained his support for the day.
“I will be attending the national Australia Day commemorations. I hope that Peter Dutton this year makes the choice to join,” he said.
A day of celebration
Despite the controversy, January 26 remains Australia’s largest civic event. The day features citizenship ceremonies, parades, and the prestigious Australian of the Year Awards.
More people have historically become Australian citizens on this date than any other. For new citizens like Preshasti Jolly, who left India with her parents four years ago, the day is a chance to celebrate belonging.
“It is an absolute pleasure to be receiving citizenship on Australia Day,” Jolly said.
Alternative date?
Australia Day celebrations date back to 1808, but it only became an official public holiday in 1994. For many, the debate has prompted a broader conversation about how – or when – Australia should commemorate its national identity.
While recent polls show growing support for keeping January 26 as Australia Day, some have proposed alternative dates.
These include:
January 1, to mark the federation of Australia’s six British colonies in 1901.
May 9, the date Australia’s parliament was founded in 1901.
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