Unley Council Set to Review Australia Day Decision
The Unley Council of South Australia will convene on Monday to reassess its previous decision regarding Australia Day celebrations, potentially reversing the move to shift the date.
Survey Results Favor Original January 26 Date
In response to a public survey, a significant 60% of the 842 residents who participated voted to return the ceremonies to the traditional January 26 date.
Councillor Pushes for Reconsideration
Rebekah Rogers, a council member, has formally requested that the survey results be reviewed during Monday’s meeting to guide the council’s final decision.
Government’s Flexible Citizenship Code
Changes made to the Citizenship Code in 2022 by the Albanese government allowed councils flexibility, permitting ceremonies either on January 26 or within a three-day window.
Council’s Duty to Reflect Resident Views
Mayor Michael Hewitson emphasized the council’s responsibility to listen to the voices of Unley residents, ensuring that local governance reflects the public’s will.
The Unley Council of South Australia will meet on Monday to decide if it will reverse its decision to move its Australia Day celebrations to January 26.
A majority of the people who voted in favour of the motion said they wanted to see the ceremonies revert to their original date.
The council conducted a survey this year to gather feedback about its decision to move the ceremonies.
After a total of 842 residents responded to the poll, 60 percent of them voted in favour of returning to the original date of January 26.
Rebekah Rogers moved to have the results of the survey be considered by the council on Monday.
According to Michael Hewitson, the council is responsible for the residents of Unley. As a local government, it has to listen to the opinions of the people.
In 2022, the government of the Albanese made changes to the Citizenship Code of Australia, which allowed councils to hold ceremonies on either January 26 or three days before or after.