Australia Day is freedom for some, invasion for others

By Ecem Sahin Oguc

Australia Day is officially recognized as the nation’s founding day every Jan. 26.

But is also a subject of ongoing debates nationwide.

Australia’s national day signifies the momentous occasion in 1788 when the first British fleet landed on the shored of the Australian continent.

On this day, Arthur Phillip raised the flag of England in Sydney Cove, marking the formal establishment of British presence in the region.

Since 1994, Australia Day has been commemorated under various names such as “Invasion Day,” “Anniversary Day,” or “Foundation Day” and is an official public holiday.

While many Australians view the day as an opportunity to celebrate the country’s lifestyle, culture and achievements, it is not marked by Australia’s Indigenous people.

Australia’s Indigenous people believe that the arrival of the first British fleet in 1788 marked the beginning of the destruction of their native communities and cultures.

Aboriginal Australians consider the date as mourning, not a celebration.

They assert the loss of lives and enduring discrimination since the arrival of the first British fleet, referring to it as “Invasion Day” and advocate for its acknowledgment.

- Australian senator says Jan. 26 should be day of mourning, not celebration

Australia’s Aborigine senator, Lidia Thorpe, told Anadolu that she has opposed Australia Day celebrations since 2019. She has once again called on Australians to mourn instead of celebrate, marking his fifth consecutive year making the appeal.

Thorpe proposed holding ceremonies Jan. 26, similar to those commemorating Anzac soldiers, to honor those killed in the “British invasion.”

“To me, it’s heartening to see that millions of people around this country, not just First Peoples, now recognize Jan. 26 as a Day of Mourning, commemoration, and reflection, knowing it’s not a day to celebrate,” she said.

“This year, on Jan. 26, I am inviting those who’d like to show their solidarity with First Peoples to join us in quiet reflection and commemoration at one of the many Dawn Services around the country,” she said.

Thorpe stressed, “The significance of Jan. 26 is changing for this nation.”

Alternatives to Australia Day, such as May 9, when Australia became a federation, or Mar. 12 when Canberra was officially designated as the capital, are being proposed.

- Call for a boycott against supermarkets opposing Australia Day

In recent years, some supermarkets in the country have joined those opposing Australia Day.

Several major supermarket chains announced that they will not sell products related to “Australia Day” celebrations, such as clothing, toys and accessories featuring the Australian flag.

Several prominent Australian companies, including banks and law firms, allow employees to choose an alternative day for the official holiday on Jan. 26.

While the opposition in the country supports Australia Day, the government does not endorse the demands of the Indigenous people.

Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized brands that banned the sale of products within the scope of Australia Day and urged the public to boycott those brands.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his intention to join nationwide events Jan. 26, asserting that Australia Day should be celebrated as usual.

Albanese opposed calls to change the date, emphasizing the need to unite the country rather than engage in culture wars and said the government is not considering a change on the date for Australia Day.

- Protests took place last year

Anti-Australia Day demonstrations have been on the rise in recent years.

Last year, thousands protesting Australia Day celebrations organized marches nationwide.

In Sydney, protesters carrying the Aboriginal flag emphasized that Australia Day is an invasion day for Indigenous people and chanted slogans.

The demonstrators demanded the abolition of the holiday they called “Invasion Day.”

In 2018, a statue in Melbourne of renowned British explorer James Cook, known for his voyages in the Pacific Ocean, was vandalized and painted pink one day before Jan. 26 celebrations.

Protesters inscribed “No Pride” on Cook’s statue.