Debate has reignited over the Australia Day public holiday following the Australian Local Government Association’s decision to lobby for the date to change.
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The association, which includes Ballarat City Council, voted 64 to 62 in favour of change on Tuesday last week.
Some councils reacted negatively to the Hobart City Council motion, with NSW Temora Shire mayor Rick Firman threatening to leave the association.
Ballarat City Council has not adopted a position on the issue.
Crs Ben Taylor, Jim Rinaldi, Grant Tillet and Des Hudson all opposed any change to the day.
Meanwhile Cr Belinda Coates and Mark Harris both said they supported change
Cr Daniel Moloney said he had no position, but would support change if a new date with popular support was selected.
What they said
Cr Taylor said the public holiday was an issue for the federal government.
“In my view it has worked really well, and it is about all cultures, all nationalities, whether they are Aboriginal Australians or have migrated here,” he said.
He was backed by Cr Rinaldi who also said it was not a decision for local government.
”This is a federal issue, this is not a state or local issue – we are bending to the minorities,” he said.
Cr Tillet said, although the association could deal with any issue it liked, he did not support change.
“It is Australia Day, it has been Australia Day and it should stay Australia Day,” he said.
Cr Des Hudson said the tradition of the day should be maintained.
“It is not built on 100 years of tradition, but we are seeing considerable momentum, in the last five to 10 years,” he said.
“I don't have a particular view, but I am more of a traditionalist.”
Cr Harris said the holiday had been put on a pretty awful day.
“I just can’t see why you wouldn’t want to changed,” he said.
He was backed by Cr Coates who said the issue needed to be discussed more broadly.
“The date celebrates a time that is perceived negatively by Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander community members,” she said.
Cr Moloney said people did not appreciate that January 26 was a divisive date, but change could also create division.
Mayor Samantha McIntosh said council could not afford to get involved with federal government issues.
“I do think it is important that all nationalities, that all cultures are recognised and given equal support as Australians,” she said.
“We need to be careful not to be distracted at a local government level.
“It is an issue that needs to be talked about, and is being talked about, nationally.”
Cr Amy Johnson has not responded to requests for comment.
