Protesters march during a protest by Aboriginal rights activist on Australia Day in Melbourne this year 2018. Source: Getty
Australia Day, celebrated on January 26th each year, has long been a day of national pride and reflection. For many, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson, when British colonization began. However, for Indigenous Australians—January 26th represents a day of invasion, dispossession, and trauma. The growing call to change the date of Australia Day has sparked fierce debate, but what are the implications of such a change, and what options exist for moving beyond the divisive anniversary?
The Controversy Surrounding January 26th
January 26th has become increasingly controversial over the years as more Australians recognise its deep significance for Indigenous communities. For many First Nations people, the date marks the beginning of European colonization, which led to the loss of land, culture, and life. The day is seen as a symbol of the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous peoples, making it a painful reminder of Australia’s colonial past.
For the non-Indigenous population, Australia Day has traditionally been a celebration of national identity, unity, and progress. It’s a day marked by barbecues, fireworks, and public ceremonies celebrating Australian culture, achievements, and the “lucky country” narrative. Yet, for many, this celebration often feels exclusionary, leaving little room for reflection on the dark chapters of Australia’s history. This dichotomy has led to growing calls for a more inclusive national day, one that recognizes the perspectives and histories of all Australians.
The Case for Changing the Date
Advocates for changing the date argue that the current observance of Australia Day on January 26th perpetuates a divisive national identity. They contend that a national day should reflect shared values, inclusivity, and unity—not a day that alienates and offends a large section of the population. In fact, numerous Indigenous activists, organizations, and cultural leaders have called for the date to be moved to a more meaningful day that celebrates the entire nation.
Changing the date would be a significant step toward reconciliation, signalling a commitment to acknowledging the rights and histories of Indigenous Australians. It would also allow for a national day of celebration that is more inclusive and representative of all cultures that make up modern Australia.
Despite these compelling arguments, there is strong resistance from a section of the Australian public. Critics of changing the date argue that it is an effort to erase history or rewrite the past, and that the focus should be on moving forward rather than reinterpreting national traditions. They contend that the day is about celebrating Australia’s achievements, rather than revisiting its colonial past.
The Alternatives: What Date Could Australia Celebrate?
While changing the date of Australia Day is a contentious issue, the bigger question is: What day should replace it? There are several options, each with its own set of implications.
1. May 27th – The Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum May 27th marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, in which over 90% of Australians voted to amend the Constitution to include Aboriginal people in the census and allow the Commonwealth government to make laws in their favour. This day represents a turning point in the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and it could be a fitting choice for a national day of reflection and celebration. However, some critics argue that May 27th is more about the non-Indigenous acknowledgment of Indigenous rights, rather than a celebration of Australian identity as a whole.
2. January 1st – Federation Day Another option is to move Australia Day to January 1st, which marks the anniversary of the Federation of Australia in 1901, when the six Australian colonies united to form a nation. Federation Day is a moment of national significance, representing the birth of modern Australia. However, this date is not without controversy, as it still falls within the colonial era, and its celebration may overlook the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities in the modern nation.
3. A New Day for Reconciliation Some have proposed that a completely new date could be chosen, dedicated specifically to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This date could coincide with significant milestones in the reconciliation process, such as the conclusion of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017, which called for a constitutionally recognized voice to parliament for Indigenous Australians. A new day focused on reconciliation would provide an opportunity to reflect on the shared history of all Australians, with a commitment to building a more inclusive future.
4. A More Flexible Celebration Another alternative is to move away from a single national day and instead introduce a week or month of celebrations, beginning with a day dedicated to Indigenous history and culture. This would allow for a broader, more inclusive framework in which multiple narratives and perspectives could be represented. For example, a week-long celebration could begin with Indigenous ceremonies and events on a day of their choosing, followed by festivities that reflect Australia’s multicultural heritage.
The Challenge of Consensus
Any change to Australia Day’s date faces significant challenges. Aside from the deep ideological divisions surrounding the issue, there are also practical concerns, such as how to implement the change and whether the new date would achieve a more inclusive sense of national identity. The resistance from those who view the current date as sacrosanct must be addressed with care, as any change will need to be part of a broader national conversation about reconciliation, justice, and historical recognition.
In the end, the question of whether to change the date of Australia Day is more than just about a calendar date—it’s about how we, as a nation, choose to define ourselves, reckon with our past, and move forward together. Whatever date is chosen, it must be one that reflects the diverse, evolving, and shared identity of all Australians, acknowledging the wrongs of the past while celebrating a more inclusive future.
