The prime minister has dodged questions over Liberal leader Peter Dutton's commitment to force councils to hold Australia Day events on January 26 if he wins the coming federal election.
I’m personally a fan of the early May Labour Day that we have in Queensland, because of its connection to the international workers’ movement, though I appreciate the March and October dates used in other states for their connection to local workers’ rights advancements.
I definitely would like to see a Treaty Day public holiday, but I think it should be a separate one from Australia Day. Not just because that means one additional public holiday (though that’s certainly a bonus!) but also because doing that helps properly acknowledge the significance of the day for Indigenous Australians specifically. And also because that leaves Australia Day to be celebrating something that can be directly applicable for all Australians (which is part of the reason for wanting to change the date to begin with).
I’m personally a fan of the early May Labour Day that we have in Queensland, because of its connection to the international workers’ movement, though I appreciate the March and October dates used in other states for their connection to local workers’ rights advancements.
I definitely would like to see a Treaty Day public holiday, but I think it should be a separate one from Australia Day. Not just because that means one additional public holiday (though that’s certainly a bonus!) but also because doing that helps properly acknowledge the significance of the day for Indigenous Australians specifically. And also because that leaves Australia Day to be celebrating something that can be directly applicable for all Australians (which is part of the reason for wanting to change the date to begin with).