Tuesday, 7 February 2023

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (14:23): I am pleased today to rise and draw attention to Australia Day. On 26 January just gone I was pleased, first, to attend Government House and hear the Governor speak and see so many people attend to celebrate not only the day but the opening of Government House. I also attended, with Ms Crozier and others, at the City of Port Phillip – 130 Australian citizens, new Australian citizens, and a very good feel. And this is right across the state.

I think we have to be very careful not to damage longstanding respected institutions. The Australia Day that we celebrate does recognise European, British, settlement of Australia – of course it does – and it is obviously a matter that some Indigenous Australians have strong views on, legitimately. But that does not mean that the government by stealth is able to change our institutions, change the decision to celebrate Australia Day on 26 January.

This government has now for a third year running cancelled the Australia Day parade. Why have they cancelled the Australia Day parade? There is no reason why the Australia Day parade should not have occurred, and indeed overwhelmingly the polling indicates that most Australians – most Victorians – support the retention of Australia Day. I say it is an important cultural recognition. It is not inconsistent with supporting our Indigenous community and recognising wrongs that have been done, but it is an important part of our culture and should continue to be celebrated.