Move Australia Day to remove tension: Academics

Two eminent historians have suggested Australia Day be moved from January 26 as a way to remove the tensions that continue to divide the nation.

Central Queensland University historian Dr Benjamin Jones told The Australian newspaper, via newswire, there could be no resolution to the day, adding there were a lot of conflicted views.

And another historian, Professor Angela Woollacott from ANU, said the day had developed a “growing awareness” of disputed history.

“I’m old enough to remember when Australia wasn’t controversial,” she told NewsWire.

“I think it has become controversial in the last couple of decades because of growing awareness around the suffering of Indigenous people and the symbolism of calling it Invasion Day, having that date stand for everything that British settlement or invasion of Australia represents.”

Several councils around Australia have recently voted to either restore Australia Day ceremonies or stick with them, with one, Unley in Adelaide presenting a local survey of residents that showed 60 per cent wanted the council to keep the date.

“The community wanted a say and we gave them a say,” Councillor Rebekah Rogers said after the vote was announced.

Greater Shepparton Council in Victoria reversed a previous decision not to fund celebrations on January 26.

Levi Power, the North East representative for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, said the move was  “a kick in the guts”.

And others say the debate will continue until perhaps Australia becomes a republic, when that day could then become the nation’s day of celebration.