OPINION: Reconciliation WA call for Australia Day to shift from January 26 to ‘more inclusive’ date

We’ve changed the Australia Day date a handful of times already, so isn’t the answer simple? We know the date has been changed based on various considerations. The rationalisation for changing the date often stemmed from wanting a more suitable time for celebrations or aligning with other significant events. There were no hard and fast rules; they were about what made sense then. People believe they are welded to January 26, but they often don’t consider how easily and frequently it has been changed in the past. Every January 26, Australians across the country take part in the celebration of Australia Day. Well, not every January 26. Even in 1888, the significance of January 26 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was a topic of concern. When asked about the inclusion of First Nations peoples in the centenary celebrations of British colonisation, NSW premier Henry Parkes responded, “And remind them that we have robbed them?” Fifty years later, in 1938, while Sydney celebrated the 150th anniversary of the British flag being planted in Sydney Cove with a week-long event, around 100 Aboriginal people gathered in the city for a national Day of Mourning. This was the first formal protest by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on January 26, held eight years before Australia Day was officially recognised nationwide. It wasn’t until 1994 that the Australia Day public holiday was consistently observed on January 26 each year. Reflecting on what it means to be Australian, it is worth considering whether January 26 is the most appropriate day to celebrate our national identity. It’s not just about colonial history; it’s about who we are as Australians right here, right now. Australia’s history did not begin in 1788. Indigenous Australians have a rich, continuous culture that spans over 65,000 years. In honouring our past, we must ask ourselves: why shouldn’t we extend the same respect and recognition to Aboriginal history and achievements? For many, it is a day of barbecues, beach outings, and fireworks to come together and celebrate our nation’s unique identity. However, Australians’ evolving perspective on Australia Day is evident in their willingness to work on January 26. Many businesses and large corporations, such as Woolworths, Telstra, and Wesfarmers, now give employees the option to work on Australia Day. An Indeed survey found that 75 per cent of Australian workers want to work on this day. As of January 2025, more than eight million working Australians (70 per cent) want the option to work on Australia Day, with nearly half of them (35 per cent) not having the choice. This shift in behaviour indicates that a majority of the community has already moved on from the traditional celebration, demonstrating that the Australia Day date is not set in stone. It underscores the need for leadership to follow suit and demystify the issue by making it less contentious and more inclusive. As Australians, we take pride in honouring the legacy of our nation, whether it’s through observing the King’s Birthday, Labour Day, Australian National Flag Day, Proclamation Day, or Harmony Day. These celebrations are deeply rooted in our history and the Westminster system of governance we have inherited. However, when we delve deeper,it becomes clear that some of these commemorations, such as the King’s Birthday — celebrated on different dates across the nation and not even on the monarch’s actual birthday — highlight the complexities and nuances in our national celebrations. Every year, we see a constant stream of confusion, disrespect, and challenges. Why do we increasingly see a sceptical audience who flip-flop on this issue? What we need is anew outlook. It’s time to lift our heads and look beyond our waters for an international perspective. Most other Commonwealth countries celebrate national days that mark significant moments of independence or unification. For example, Canada celebrates Canada Day on July 1, marking the confederation of Canada in 1867. India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, marking its independence from British rule in 1947. New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day on February 6, marking the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on April 27, marking the first democratic elections in 1994. These dates reflect pivotal moments in their histories when they gained sovereignty or unified as nations. There can’t be any fear of international criticism. So, what is the hesitation? For Indigenous Australians, January 26 represents the start of a period of dispossession, suffering, and loss. This “Invasion Day,” as many refer to it, can be a painful reminder of a dark chapter in our history. As a nation that values inclusivity and respect for all cultures, we must acknowledge these perspectives and work towards a day everyone can celebrate. We must stay focused on the end game. How do we find a way to celebrate our unity as Australians, recognising the contributions and history of Indigenous people who are still grieving the impacts of colonisation? Near enough isn’t good enough; we should aspire to be more inclusive and respectful. We know from the collected journals and records recovered by different governors and governing chiefs that the frontier conflicts resulted in the deaths and displacement of thousands of Indigenous Australians. These records underscore the painful and often overlooked history that is integral to our national identity. Changing the date of Australia Day would not erase our history, but rather, it would allow us to choose a day that reflects our values of unity, respect, and inclusivity. A new date could symbolise the achievements and contributions of all Australians, both Indigenous and those who have called it home for the last couple of hundred years and embed a sense of national pride that is shared by everyone. As we move forward, engaging in open and respectful dialogue about the significance of our national day is crucial. We can create a more unified and harmonious Australia by choosing a date that honours our shared values and history. On a simpler note, wouldn’t it be great if we all felt welcome at the BBQ? It’s actually the opposite of what some leaders are saying is division — it’s an opportunity for unity! Nolan Hunter and Debra Zanella are Reconciliation WA co-chairs.