General Discussions

[LP]

I gravely doubt the loudest of voices will be happy at all, no matter what date is chosen!

The date/day is just a symbol that is currently being targeted, the loudest voices who are often also the most radical, don't want it moved they want it eradicated.

Do segments of the community really think the wider public is going to accept being subjected to and governed by the whims of a very small number of radicals?

So I have to conclude the lack of action to reel in the loud radicals is a sign real progress isn't the ultimate goal!

If those pushing for change are accepting the voice of the radicals in the short term, as some sort of utilitarian appliance to achieve a goal, then they may be sorely disappointed at the outcome of any referendum. Those tactics might well work in a region where voting is not compulsory, but here I doubt they have a chance! But then again, what should we expect when we keep hearing and seeing that protests discuss sovereignty and constitutional rights, issues copied straight off extremist US websites.

[Lods]

On Anzac Day we celebrate a defeat that occurred when we attempted to invade another country.
A defeat that cost us around 600 soldiers on that first day.
A bit bizarre!
Yet we remember it with solemn services early in the morning, which lead into a bit of fun and frivolity after mid-day with a bit of sport and a lot of get togethers.

We just don't seem to be able to do the same with Australia day.
Use the first half of the day to remember and acknowledge the failings of the past, understand that for some indigenous people it's a day to remember and feel the sorrow
Make it a lot more thoughtful and reflective...and then move to the more celebratory aspects in the afternoon.

The funny thing is the Aboriginal 'theme' is quite prevalent through the day.
Indigenous performance is common in a lot of ceremonies.
Almost all begin with an acknowledgement of the Indigenous aspect of our history.
To me that makes the date a pretty good one.
It's not so  much the date but how we celebrate it and the thinking behind it.

But I realise that's not the case for all folks, so I've no real problem with a change of date.
The Queen's/King's birthday isn't actually on their birthday and is even different for different states.

[DJC]

I gravely doubt the loudest of voices will be happy at all, no matter what date is chosen!

The date/day is just a symbol that is currently being targeted, the most radical who are usually the loudest voices, don't want it moved they want it eradicated.

In fact, invasion day, or the national day of mourning, has been celebrated on 26 Jan for far longer than Australia Day has been on 26 Jan.  I suspect that most Indigenous Australians, “radical” or moderate, would want to continue commemorating 26 Jan, just not as Australia Day.

[LP]

In fact, invasion day, or the national day of mourning, has been celebrated on 26 Jan for far longer than Australia Day has been on 26 Jan.  I suspect that most Indigenous Australians, “radical” or moderate, would want to continue commemorating 26 Jan, just not as Australia Day.

I apologise for my cynicism but that very label, Invasion Day, is almost certainly a thinly veiled attempt by some to frame the groundwork for a legal compensation bid.

As far as I can tell, the protests, the mourning ceremonies, have very little to do with personal grief after so many generations and so much time has past! We celebrate Anzac Day and Armistice Day to remember, nobody is there protesting and calling for compensation.

I've stated this before, about a myriad of issues not just those in Australia, take the profit out of these disputes and you'll find only those people genuinely searching for reconciliation remain. Until then, I reserve the right to remain cynical.

[kruddler]

Step 1.
Change the date to something that can't be called Invasion day, but has some meaning to people, preferably indigenous people.

Step 2.
Change the name from Australia Day to Australian Appreciation Day and have a large part of those celebrations about indigenous side of things, while still allowing the yobbos to have a bbq.

The end.

No more complaints. No more division.
Start afresh.
There is very little reason to hold firm on the current day/date.

[Baggers]

'Australia' was actually born as a nation, and no longer a group of independent colonies, on January 1st, 1901. Seems a logical date for Australia Day. A day when all Australians, regardless of race/religion/colour or creed, can celebrate all that is Aussie AND all our roots.

For arguments sake, parades in all capital cities, major rural cities, with floats/representations/music from all those who make up 'Australia' - indigenous Aussies, English, Greeks, Italians, Irish, Scot, Japanese, Chines, Vietnamese, Indian, Pakistani, other various Asian countries... etc., etc. Acknowledging and respecting all.

[kruddler]

'Australia' was actually born as a nation, and no longer a group of independent colonies, on January 1st, 1901. Seems a logical date for Australia Day. A day when all Australians, regardless of race/religion/colour or creed, can celebrate all that is Aussie AND all our roots.

For arguments sake, parades in all capital cities, major rural cities, with floats/representations/music from all those who make up 'Australia' - indigenous Aussies, English, Greeks, Italians, Irish, Scot, Japanese, Chines, Vietnamese, Indian, Pakistani, other various Asian countries... etc., etc. Acknowledging and respecting all.

It'd be unaustralian to have the new australia day on an already public holiday.

[Lods]

'Australia' was actually born as a nation, and no longer a group of independent colonies, on January 1st, 1901. Seems a logical date for Australia Day. A day when all Australians, regardless of race/religion/colour or creed, can celebrate all that is Aussie AND all our roots.

For arguments sake, parades in all capital cities, major rural cities, with floats/representations/music from all those who make up 'Australia' - indigenous Aussies, English, Greeks, Italians, Irish, Scot, Japanese, Chines, Vietnamese, Indian, Pakistani, other various Asian countries... etc., etc. Acknowledging and respecting all.

But...but...but...the Holiday :o
It's already a Holiday. >

Of course it's the best date and makes the most sense.
We can always have a holiday on the 2nd.

You know one of the funny things about the 26th January is that it's logistically an excellent date.
End of school holidays.
A lot of people returning to work
A lot of Summer sports actually hold championships over that long weekend because that Christmas/ New year time a lot of people are away.

[kruddler]

They could do a lot of NFL fans a favour and make it Superbowl Sunday/Monday.
This year its 13th Feb.

Saves me asking for a day off every year.

[DJC]

I apologise for my cynicism but that very label, Invasion Day, is almost certainly a thinly veiled attempt by some to frame the groundwork for a legal compensation bid.

As far as I can tell, the protests, the mourning ceremonies, have very little to do with personal grief after so many generations and so much time has past! We celebrate Anzac Day and Armistice Day to remember, nobody is there protesting and calling for compensation.

I've stated this before, about a myriad of issues not just those in Australia, take the profit out of these disputes and you'll find only those people genuinely searching for reconciliation remain. Until then, I reserve the right to remain cynical.

Why do you always resort to the compensation line?

Look up William Cooper.  He’s the bloke who started the national day of mourning on 26 Jan 1938.  He’s also the bloke who led a delegation to the German consulate in 1938 to protest about the Nazi attacks on Jews.  Was he looking for compensation from Hitler?