Council requests report on potential impact of Aus Day position change
Published on 26 February 2025
Council has requested a report on the potential positive and negative impacts, should it change its approach to 26 January.
In the meantime, the Council will begin formal advocacy to the federal government for an Australia Day date change.
During Tuesday night’s meeting, the Council was presented with a notice of motion seeking a return to participating in celebratory events and staging citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
The notice of motion also proposed retaining elements of the existing Council position, taken in 2021, including flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait flags at half-mast on 26 January and engaging with Traditional Owner groups to support mourning or survival events.
An alternate motion put forward by Cr Liz Pattison seeking training for councillors and a report detailing potential impacts, ultimately gained majority support.
Under the resolution:
- Council will advocate to the federal government to change the date of Australia Day;
- Council’s CEO will make cultural awareness training available to all Councillors before 1 September; and
- The CEO will prepare a report for a future Council meeting (no later than 23 September), detailing impacts on the First Nations community and other ‘impacts or outcomes, both positive and negative’, of reinstating Australia Day celebrations.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth said the outcome of Tuesday night’s vote would enable councillors to revisit the matter later in the year.
“We understand this is a matter of community interest,” Mayor Bodsworth said.
“Given we have 11 months before next Australia Day, it makes sense to allow time to ensure we have all the information we need about how a change in Council position may impact our First Nations community, and the broader community both positively and negatively.”
Cr Pattison said the decision to begin formal advocacy for a date change reflected the majority view of the Council.
“In talking with fellow councillors and looking to find common ground around 26 January, it was clear the majority feel that the date is the major cause of the contention, so formally advocating for a date change is a positive step,” Cr Pattison said.
“Allowing more time to receive information and consider our viewpoints further will help us display good governance and show leadership for the community.”
Since 2023, Council has supported the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to deliver Pilk Purriyn, a sunrise truth-telling event at Cosy Corner in Torquay on 26 January.
In line with a change in legislation by the Australian Government in December 2022, Council moved away from hosting citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
Instead, it has hosted a ceremony within three days either side of 26 January for the past three years.
Further information about Council’s current approach to Australia Day is available here.