Petition Support the establishment of Maritime Environmental Protection Day

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the need for a dedicated community-recognised day, Maritime Environmental Protection Day, to be held annually on 7 March. This day is to increase public awareness of pollution risks, marine ecosystem health, coastal protection and the importance of environmental stewardship across Victoria’s waterways, bays and coastal environments. Victoria relies heavily on maritime industries, ports, coastal communities and marine tourism, yet there is no dedicated awareness day that promotes public education, collaboration, or community action to support marine environmental protection.

The declaration of public holidays is the responsibility of individual states and territories. National public holidays are only recognised where agreement has been reached between the Prime Minister, State Premiers and Territory Chief Ministers. Although Government approval is required to formally declare a national public holiday, there is nothing preventing an individual, organisation or community from promoting and establishing a new national observance through public engagement and recognition. Several significant days across the year have become widely accepted and commonly celebrated without government declaration. Mother’s Day and Harmony Day are well-known examples of observances that developed organically through community participation, public awareness and shared cultural value.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to support the establishment of a dedicated Maritime Environmental Protection Day to be held annually on 7 March, and to promote coastal resilience, cleaner maritime practices and the protection of Victoria’s marine and coastal environments.