Scott Morrison wants a national conversation about a stand-alone day to recognise Indigenous Australians, while insisting Australia Day should be celebrated on January 26.
The Prime Minister entered the long-running debate, hitting out at councils that want the national day changed, saying he’ll withdraw their right to hold citizenship ceremonies.
Appearing on the TODAY Show, Mr Morrison accused the councils, like Byron Bay, of using the day as “political footballs”.
“Australia Day is our national day,” the Prime Minister said.
“That is the day that Australia’s history changed. And it should be a day to recognise all Australians from our first to our most recent.
“I don’t think engaging in this sort of indulgent self-loathing actually makes our country stronger.
“I want to bring Australians together around this day, and that’s why I have said I’m very open to the idea of having a national day where we can particularly focus on the achievements and success of our indigenous people in a very positive way.
“You don’t have to bring one down to raise another up.”
The Prime Minister said January 26 was the “day the ships turned up”.
“We can’t pretend it was some other day. That is the day it happened and that is the day where we have to deal with everything.
“And we have to embrace it all, warts and all, and accept our successes and acknowledge where we haven’t done so well.
“There are scars from things that have happened over the last 200 years. I mean, it’s not all perfect.
“I do want to acknowledge the incredible success of indigenous culture. And modern Australia. And we can do both. We don’t have to fight about it.”
Mr Morrison said he’s keen to speak to the indigenous community to get their views, and hasn’t offered a date, or suggestions about how the day could be celebrated.
He later suggested a day during Naidoc Week might be appropriate.
“I’m consulting everybody,” he said.
“I’m sure there’ll be many other suggestions. We can celebrate this is a the world’s oldest living culture.”
But, Australia Day stays.
“You can’t pretend your birthday isn’t your birthday,” he said.
“We have a lot more to be proud about than not being proud about. It’s a great day to celebrate Australia.
“Australia Day is Australia Day.”
Deputy Nationals Leader Bridget McKenzie agreed the day should stay as January 26, but clearly needs a history refresher.
“That is when the course of our nation changed forever,” she told Sky News.
“When Captain Cook stepped ashore.”
Well no. It was 1788, when Captain Arthur Phillip landed with the First Fleet.
Acting Opposition leader, Tanya Plibersek, said it’s “a conversation we’re up for”.
But, she said, the Prime Minister needs to offer more details, like whether it’d be a separate public holiday, before there could be a worthwhile debate. 9NEWS
