By Abbey Cannan
A University of the Sunshine Coast academic says celebrating Australia Day on 26 January is a sign of national immaturity.
This follows hundreds of people marching through pouring rain in Brisbane, continuing their support for the Invasion Day rally.
Education academic Dr Craig Johnston, who is based at USC’s Moreton Bay campus and whose research areas include constructions of identity, monuments and public history, says there are more appropriate days to celebrate the nation.
“What does it really say about Australia that we are identifying our national day, the day to celebrate our nation, as the day the First Fleet just happened to rock up into Sydney Cove, dropped anchor and unloaded some convicts and a flag?” Dr Johnston asked.
“What it says to me is the relative immaturity of Australia as a nation that lacks a proper, grown-up identity. Hanging on to an inappropriate day is a symbol of our inability to grow up and become a truly independent, forward-looking country that is confident in itself.
“It’s another colonial tie we’re hanging onto, along with the monarchy and the Union Jack on the flag.”
Dr Johnston said a national day should be something that unifies everyone.
“Australia Day does not do that. It’s becoming more and more divisive,“ he said.
“I think the most obvious date is Federation Day on 1 January, I know it’s already a public holiday but you could easily add another one on 2 January.
“Other people have suggested 21 May, the anniversary of the Indigenous Right Referendum has some proponents. I think that could potentially be quite divisive as well. I think it should be a summer day because it’s what we all enjoy doing.“
Will the date be changed within the next five years?
Dr Johnston said the problem is the date of Australia Day has become a proxy argument that ties in with people’s political disagreement.
“We’re about to head into federal election campaign. I think there is no chance at all that the Prime Minister is going to suggest it should be changed or even examined because he’s got a whole right-wing of his party he has to shore up,“ he said.
“I think equally, the Labor leader is going to look at it and say ’I don’t think this is somewhere we need to be going with the debate right now’.
“So am I confident it is going to change in five years? Probably not. But I think the bigger and bigger grounds for it will mean that ultimately, it should be changed.“
