August 18, 2017
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has come out strongly in support of keeping Australia Day on January 26.
Speaking after a a Victorian Council decided to scrap its Australia Day celebration, Mr Littleproud said January 26 was more than a public holiday marked with a barbecue, beer and sun.
“It’s a day where we recognise the remarkable nation we’ve become, welcome new Australians into our community and it’s a date that will not change,” he said.
“We all recognise our history’s challenges but on Australia Day, we also recognise the greatness of our achievements.
“Reconciliation is about changing attitudes, not trying to bury our history with a date change.”
Mr Littleproud’s call to keep Australia Day came after Melbourne’s Yarra Council voted unanimously this week to change the way it marks January 26.
“Some are trying to use Australia Day – a day which unites us – into a day to divide us,” he said.
“Each bush community in Maranoa acknowledges Australia Day – whether it’s a thong throwing competition, lamington-making classes and citizenship of new Australians, it’s a day which brings the community together.
“I represent wonderful communities, large and small, across more than 42 per cent of Queensland and each Australia Day event commences with an acknowledgement or welcome to country because we respect our First Australians – the oldest human civilisation in the world.
“Australia Day isn’t trying to forget about the past. It remembers where we’ve come from, celebrates our achievements and looks towards a future of who we would like to become.”
- Editorial: There Must Be A Better Date
