As the nation prepares to celebrate Australia Day on January 26, the debate around changing the date has resurfaced.
But do Australians really want to ditch the traditional date? Recent polling suggests that most people are happy to keep things as they are.
What’s Behind the Debate?
Australia Day commemorates the day the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove in 1788.
However, for many Indigenous Australians, it’s a painful reminder of the country’s complex history.
Some people refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day, sparking a national conversation about the date’s significance.
The Polls: A Shift in Opinion?
A recent survey by Resolve Strategic found that only 24% of respondents want to change the date, down from 39% in October 2023.
In fact, support for keeping January 26 as Australia’s national day has risen to 61%. But is this a significant shift in opinion, or just a blip on the radar?
Experts Weigh In
According to David Lowe, chairman of contemporary history at Deakin University, the results might be influenced by current events, such as the Voice Referendum.
“It could be related to current debates… or it could be a little bit of statistical noise as well,” he says. Lowe notes that polling numbers can “wax and wane” over time, and it’s essential to consider the long-term trends.
A Politicized Issue
The debate around Australia Day has become increasingly politicized, with some politicians using it as a talking point ahead of the federal election.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles believes that Australians should celebrate the day, regardless of the polling numbers. “Ours is a country which is worth celebrating. This is the day on which we do it,” he says.
A Generational Divide
Interestingly, the polling reveals a generational divide on the issue. More than half of respondents aged 18-34 support changing the date, compared to 39% of 35-54-year-olds and 29% of those aged 75 and older.
This suggests that younger Australians might be driving a shift towards changing the date in the long term.
Different Views on Australia Day
A Roy Morgan poll found that men and women have different views on changing the date or name of Australia Day.
While 61.5% of women believe the day should be known as Australia Day, 76.5% of men agree. The poll also showed a jump in support for Australia Day since 2023, with more men and women backing the traditional name.
What’s Next for Australia Day?
As the nation continues to debate the significance of January 26, it’s clear that opinions are divided. While some Australians want to keep the traditional date, others believe it’s time for a change.
One thing is certain – the conversation around Australia Day will continue, and it’s up to Australians to decide what the future holds for this national day.