The decision this week of a high-ranking official to skip an Australia Day gala dinner in London has highlighted the steady move away from people celebrating our national holiday.
Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith, initially intended to skip the black-tie event on January 25, which is held annually by the Australia Day Foundation to celebrate the relationship between our two countries.
The move was swiftly deemed “disappointing” by both organisers and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who put Mr Smith on blast for being “ashamed” of the national holiday.
“The Prime Minister owns this, as the UK High Commissioner was his captain’s pick,” Mr Dutton said.
“And the PM should pick up the phone and sort this out today. What other developed country refuses to acknowledge its national day? If Stephen Smith is ashamed of Australia Day, he should be on the next flight home.”
It comes as a new poll from the Institute of Public Affairs reveals that the majority of Australians polled in each age group now believe that the national day should remain on January 26.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Mr Smith will now attend the event at the Peninsula Hotel.
For an growing number of Australians, however, the attitude of a high-ranking official or celebrity toward January 26 has far less sway – with many turning away from commemorating it.
Australian High Commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith. Picture: Euan Cherry/Parsons Media
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused Mr Smith of being ‘ashamed’ of our national day. Picture: NewsWire/John Gass
Some Aussies are shunning First Fleet re-enactments and raucous parties, instead turning out in their thousands for local Invasion Day rallies or using the public holiday as an opportunity to reckon with Australia’s history.
Even for those who do choose to embrace the occasion – proudly decking themselves out in flags and other regalia and heading to sporting events, BBQs and the beach – the date is seen as a chance to come together and celebrate modern Australia and the many cultures it’s comprised of, rather than the events of 1788.
Who does this idiot think he is?
His job is to represent the country and the country has Australia Day. His job is not to at all decide if he agrees with Australia Day. Sack the turd.
Rod, Maybe term limits need for these people in roles of responsibility….
Plus get rid preferential votes system….as results can be “Gerrymandered” by the Uni party….
One party candidate = one vote! Toe to Toe best party policy wins!
So we don’t odd people Fiona Patten, who was Reason Party formerly S-x Party who’s make deals for safe injecting rooms and brothels etc. whist in office….one can never forget she was the Lap dog for ensuring those powers for SOE passed for extending hard lockdowns for months ahead unnecessary!
Or that beacon of division in Sen Lydia Thorpe who hates Australia but happy be on the public purse and now advocating for overseas issues in Gaza!