A new survey reveals a dramatic increase in Australians' support for January 26 as Australia Day, with calls for enshrining the date in federal law gaining traction. This shift in public sentiment follows the defeat of the Indigenous Voice referendum, suggesting a potential link between the two national debates.
Australians have overwhelmingly expressed their support for January 26 as the national day, marking a significant shift in public opinion following years of debate surrounding its appropriateness. A recent survey revealed that 61% of voters now favor keeping January 26 as Australia Day, a substantial increase from 47% just two years ago.
This surge in support comes despite ongoing concerns from Indigenous Australians who argue that celebrating the nation's history on the anniversary of white settlement is insensitive and perpetuates historical injustices. The survey also highlighted a growing desire to solidify January 26's status as the official national day. A clear majority, 52%, backed the idea of enacting a federal law to enshrine the date, a proposal championed by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton prior to the federal election. This shift in sentiment appears to be directly linked to the outcome of the Indigenous Voice referendum in October 2023. While support for changing the date of Australia Day stood at 39% in January 2023, when the Voice referendum was gaining momentum, it has since declined to 33% in January 2024 and further to 24% in the most recent survey. This growing support for January 26 coincides with a decline in support for the Voice, suggesting that the national debate around Indigenous recognition may be influencing public opinion on the date of Australia Day. Dutton has pledged to make January 26 a legally protected national holiday if elected, stating that local councils would be required to hold citizenship ceremonies on that day. He emphasizes the importance of national unity and pride, aiming to revive the practice of holding Australia Day events on the specific date, unlike the current government's guidelines that allow councils to conduct ceremonies over a three-day period surrounding January 26. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has remained relatively neutral on the issue, challenging Dutton to demonstrate his respect for January 26 by attending Australia Day events in Canberra.Critics of January 26 continue to raise concerns about the historical context of white settlement and the ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians. They argue that the date represents a day of mourning rather than celebration. Indigenous leader and Voice advocate Megan Davis has stated that changing the date would merely shift the focus of the debate without addressing the underlying issues. She believes that the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which outlines the need for Indigenous recognition and self-determination, offers a more constructive path forward. Conversely, conservative advocate John Roskam argues that Australians are seeking practical solutions to support Indigenous communities and are wary of divisive symbolism. He suggests that the defeat of the Voice referendum reflects a desire for a more pragmatic approach to reconciliation. The survey conducted by Resolve Political Monitor, which sampled 1616 eligible voters, revealed a clear majority in support of January 26 as Australia Day, with a margin of error of 2.4%
AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY JANUARY 26 PUBLIC OPINION REFERENDUM INDIGENOUS VOICE RECONCILIATION PETER DUTTON ANTHONY ALBANESE POLITICS SURVEY
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia Day Support Surges Despite Calls for Flags to be BurnedA new poll reveals a growing support for Australia Day, with 69% of Australians wanting to keep the date despite efforts by activists and corporations to abolish it.
Read more »
Smith and Cummins Power Australia on Day Two of Boxing Day TestSteve Smith and Pat Cummins put on a century stand to power Australia on day two of the Boxing Day Test against India. The Australians made the most of batting-friendly conditions at the MCG, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided some resistance for India.
Read more »
Australia Dominates Day 2 of Boxing Day TestAustralia takes a commanding lead against India on day three of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Read more »
Australia Sets India a Record Chase on Day 4 of Boxing Day TestAustralia holds a commanding lead in the Boxing Day Test against India, setting a record chase for the tourists. Despite a stellar last-wicket partnership between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, the outcome of the match remains uncertain.
Read more »
Australia Hunts Victory as India Chases Record Score on Day Five of Boxing Day TestAustralia seeks victory on day five of the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG. India needs to chase down a record score of 340 to win.
Read more »
New Year's Day: Most Violent Day in AustraliaNew Year's Day sees a surge in violence, with domestic assaults doubling and other assaults increasing by 166%. Alcohol consumption, social gatherings, and emotional stress are cited as contributing factors.
Read more »