Australia Day: Reflecting on Controversy, History, and Possibilities
Australia Day, the 26th of January, is a momentous occasion marking the 236th anniversary of the British flag being raised at Sydney Cove. While it is a national holiday celebrated across the country, it has stirred controversy for the past 89 years. In 1935, 26 January was officially designated as Australia Day, a celebration that has faced criticism from First Nations people who see it as a day of mourning. The debate surrounding this day has intensified over the years, with some referring to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day.
The controversy has led to changes in various aspects of the celebration. Approximately 80 local councils across Australia have altered the date of their annual citizenship ceremonies. Victoria went a step further by canceling its Australia Day parade, acknowledging the day as a time of reflection and mourning for some citizens. These changes have, however, been met with resistance from those who staunchly defend 26 January as a day to honor Australia and take pride in calling it home.
As tensions rise annually around the date, it becomes crucial to revisit the historical roots of Australia Day, understand why it landed on 26 January, and recognize that this date wasn't always synonymous with celebration.
What Exactly is Australia Day?
The term "Australia Day" has evolved through various celebrations in the nation's post-colonial history. Its initial iteration in 1915 aimed to fundraise for the First World War, celebrated on 30 July. Proposed by Ellen Wharton-Kirke, it aimed to tap into Australians' pride in their soldiers' achievements at Gallipoli. In 1916, the date was moved to 28 July.
It wasn’t until 1935 that all Australian states agreed to celebrate Australia Day on 26 January. This historical journey highlights the shifting nature of the day and the intentions behind its establishment.
Why is Australia Day Celebrated on 26 January?
Contrary to popular belief, 26 January doesn't commemorate the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 but rather the day the fleet went ashore in Sydney Cove, about a week later. Captain Arthur Phillip, raising the Union Jack flag in Sydney Cove, declared British sovereignty over half of Australia. This event symbolizes the beginning of a violent and dispossessive colonial campaign, leaving a lasting impact on Indigenous Australians.
For First Nations Australians, 26 January is a solemn reminder of the deliberate invasion, massacres, and genocides inflicted upon their people. Despite Aboriginal activists declaring it a day of mourning as early as 1938, the date and name persisted, becoming a public holiday across Australia in 1994.
Originally designated as a public holiday for NSW in 1838, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the British, it was known as Foundation Day and later Anniversary Day. In 1888, all colonies except South Australia observed it, but it wasn't a nationalist event.
Even after the federation of Australian colonies in 1901, the primary national holiday remained Empire Day, celebrated on 24 May, with imperial rather than nationalist undertones.
When Else Could Australia Day Be?
Australia’s national holiday falling on the date it does is an anomaly. Benjamin T Jones, a senior lecturer in history, notes that most countries celebrate their national holiday on the date they gained independence. The flexibility of national symbols is evident in Australia's case.
Considering alternative dates, there is no clear favorite. Possibilities include marking the formation of the Federation on 1 January 1901, the day Queen Victoria consented to the Constitution (9 July), the Eureka Stockade on 3 December, or significant events like the Apology to the Stolen Generations (13 February), Sorry Day (26 May), the 1967 referendum (27 May), the Mabo Judgement (3 June), NAIDOC Week (beginning the first Sunday in July), and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (13 September).
As the debate persists, it is crucial to engage in open dialogue and understand the diverse perspectives surrounding Australia Day. Acknowledging the historical complexities and considering alternative dates provides an opportunity for reflection and inclusivity in the celebration of Australia's identity. The journey of Australia Day reflects not just a historical event but an evolving narrative that invites contemplation and unity among its people.