Everything you need to know about Australia Day - and why it’s controversial

For many, Australia Day is steeped in controversy, with Indigenous Australians dubbing the date as Invasion Day

It wasn’t until 1935 that all Australian states and territories used the name Australia Day to mark the date, and it wasn’t until 1994 that 26 January became a public holiday across the country.

According to the , the day is a time to “celebrate all the things we love about Australia: land, sense of fair go, lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms we enjoy, but particularly our people”.

The date marks the day that Captain Arthur Phillip, who was the commander of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from the UK, and the first Governor of New South Wales, arrived at Sydney Cove and raised the Union Jack flag, signalling the beginning of the colony.

Over the years, the reasons for celebrating Australia Day have changed and evolved, with the Australia Day website stating that, nowadays, “Australia Day means different things to different people” and that “everyone is encouraged to acknowledge Australia Day in a way that’s meaningful to them”.

“Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate our cultural diversity and rich migrant heritage, which is very much part of our unique Australian identity and has helped shape a nation proud of its strong and successful multiculturalism.

On the morning of Australia Day, the WugulOra Morning Ceremony is held, with an ancient smoking ceremony which “cleanses the way for new beginnings”. The WugulOra Morning Ceremony celebrates the world’s oldest living culture through dance, music and language.

An address is also given on Australia Day, which was first delivered in 1997, and is described as a “celebration of thought, diversity of opinion and freedom of speech”. Traditionally it’s distinguished Autralians who are invited to give the address.

Why is it controversial?

For many First Nations people, the date is a date of mourning, not celebration. When the First Fleet arrived, there were around 750,000 people already living on the land, with more than 500 Indigenous groups.

Modern Australia Day celebrations have aimed to be more inclusive for First Nations people, with the Australia Day Council of New South Wales (NSW) saying that it “acknowledges we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognises the strength, resilience and capacity of First Nations Australians” and that the council “also acknowledges all of the traditional owners of the land, and pays respect to First Nation Elders past, present and future”.

Why shouldn’t you say ‘Happy Australia Day’?

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