In a shocking move, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton skipped the national Australia Day ceremony in Canberra, leaving Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “disappointed”.
The ceremony, held on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, is one of the most prestigious events in the country, and Albanese believes it’s essential for both sides of parliament to attend.
What Happened?
Albanese expressed his disappointment, stating that national Australia Day events should be bipartisan and attended by both sides of parliament.
He recalled attending every Australia Day event as Opposition Leader and the Australian of the Year Awards when invited.
“This is an inspirational day… and last night – it is one of the best events that anyone could ever go to,” Albanese said.
Dutton’s Response
Dutton, on the other hand, chose to mark Australia Day in his electorate, as he has done for 20 years. He posted a video on social media, calling on Australians not to be “afraid of celebrating” the national day.
“Australia Day is a celebration of the greatest country in the world, and we shouldn’t be afraid of celebrating it,” Dutton said.
However, polls show that the vast majority of Australians oppose changing the date of Australia Day, and there’s little indication that people are “afraid” to celebrate on January 26.
The Reason Behind the Snub
Dutton’s claims against the Labor government stem from changes introduced two years ago, which allowed councils to drop ceremonies on January 26.
The Albanese government loosened rules around when citizenship ceremonies can be held, giving councils more flexibility.
While some councils have welcomed the change, others have been vocal about their opposition to marking Australia Day on January 26, citing the date’s association with the colonization of Australia and the suffering of Indigenous Australians.
Invasion Day Protests
Meanwhile, ‘Invasion Day’ protests were held nationally on Sunday, highlighting the controversy surrounding Australia Day.
The date marks the beginning of Britain’s colonization of Australia, and many Indigenous Australians see it as a day of mourning. As the debate around Australia Day continues, one thing is clear: the country is divided on how to celebrate its national day.