Tens of thousands of Australians attended protest rallies on the national holiday of Australia Day, marking a growing unease with the country's colonial history. The day, which commemorates the arrival of the British First Fleet in 1788, has become increasingly divisive as public consciousness of Indigenous dispossession and oppression has broadened.
Rallies under banners such as 'Invasion Day', 'Survival Day' and 'Sovereignty Day' drew large crowds in cities nationwide. Professor Marcia Langton, a Yiman and Bidjara woman, argued for an inclusive date, stating: 'The biggest lie, of course, is Australia Day. We can start to tell the truth about Australia's history and show some respect for all the survivors of the frontier wars.'
The protests come amid a national debate over a proposed referendum to enshrine an Indigenous 'Voice to Parliament' in the constitution. The Voice would advise parliament on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but has faced opposition from some Indigenous leaders who argue for a treaty first.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there is no proposal to change the date, though a Guardian Essential poll shows growing support for moving it, rising from 15% in 2019 to 26% in 2023. Opposition leader Peter Dutton defended the holiday, urging Australians not to be 'embarrassed or ashamed' of their history.
