Adelaide councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day

Metropolitan councils remain firm they will hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day despite the option to hold them either side of the contentious January 26 date.

Metropolitan councils are pressing ahead with Australia Day citizenship ceremonies, despite the federal government allowing councils to now hold them either side of January 26.

An Advertiser survey of the 18 councils found almost all would go ahead with their original plans for the ceremonies, as events were in the advanced stage of planning.

The Albanese government announced on Friday councils would be given the flexibility to hold the ceremonies either three days before or after Australia Day.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said the decision followed a number of requests by councils nationally, as ceremonies on public holidays incurred higher costs.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles in Parliament House, Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

January 26 is also referred to as Invasion Day, particularly by First Nations people who recognise the First Fleet landing as a loss of their land rights and culture.

Marion Council Mayor Kris Hanna said while a previous term of council had floated the idea of changing citizenship ceremonies from January 26, next year’s event would remain.

“It had been suggested years ago to make some change to it, but the majority view was to continue to celebrate Australia Day and make it as inclusive as possible,” Mr Hanna said.

“It’s one of the most popular days for people to become new citizens and so we’re meeting that request.”

Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge said their Australia Day event was one of about 15 citizenship ceremonies the northern suburbs council held each year.

“Australia Day is a very special day for them to get their citizenship but it’s a big day and many have plans, so we keep it very small and do about 30 people,” Ms Aldridge said.

“We hold two ceremonies every six weeks and welcome about 1300 people a year. We are a very multicultural community, so it’s a privilege to do the ceremonies.”

Of 15 metropolitan councils that responded to The Advertiser’s query, Port Adelaide Enfield was the only council not holding an Australia Day citizenship ceremony.

The council had planned two ceremonies on January 31, but given the government’s announcement the events would be moved to the 24th.

A Charles Sturt Council spokeswoman said given the government’s short notice and a lot of planning for its January 26 event, it would not be moved.

“The council does recognise that for some members of our community this is a very difficult day and we respect that,” she said. “In future the government’s decision does allow us flexibility in planning future events.”

Former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison had introduced rules in 2019 that councils hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26, or not at all, to ensure the national day was respected.

Walkerville, Prospect and West Torrens councils did not respond to The Advertiser survey.