Politicians, Australians unite in fierce support of Australia Day

Exclusive polling has revealed Queenslanders are ready to embrace Australia Day like never before, while both sides of government have emphatically endorsed celebrating on January 26.

Queensland's Ahmadiyya Muslim Imam will hosts an Inclusive Australia Day Lunch at the Bait-ul-Masroor Mosque, Stockleigh. Rehan Khan, 8, Basharat Ahmed, 9, Rizwana Hadi, 10, and Irha Shoaib, 8, get ready for the fun. Picture: Adam Head

Public servants are being encouraged to take a day off work and celebrate the Australia Day public holiday next week, as politicians from both sides of government confirm they are firmly against changing the date.

It comes as a Courier-Mail poll revealed Queenslanders are in overwhelming support of Australia Day remaining on January 26.

The online survey, which garnered more than 15,500 responses, showed 87 per cent of Aussies believe the national holiday should remain on its current date, with only 12 per cent favouring a change and 1 per cent advocating for its removal altogether.

A significant 86 per cent of respondents said they would actively support a business less if it boycotted Australia Day, while only 3 per cent said they would support such a business more.

While Queensland’s public servants are permitted to substitute public holidays including Australia Day, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has implored Queensland’s service to utilise the January 27 public holiday.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie wants everyone to embrace Australia Day. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The new Queensland Government encourages all public sector employees to take the day off to celebrate Australia Day and everything that is great about this country,” he said.

“Everyone should celebrate Australia Day, barbecue, spend time with family and friends, celebrate everything that is great about Australia Day.

“I’ll be celebrating Australia Day. We’ll be swearing in new citizens across Queensland. Just get out there and celebrate everything that is so great about Queensland and Australia Day.”

Often referred to as Invasion Day, critics argue that the January 26 celebrations only acknowledge modern Australia and disregard the trauma experienced by First Nations people.

Last year, Woolworths made a decision to ban Australia Day merchandise from its stores, while several other local councils moved the dates of citizenship ceremonies.

Despite the seemingly increasing shift away from January 26, polling showed a significant 77 per cent of Australians were unlikely to support a government that changes the date.

Several Queensland politicians on Wednesday confirmed they were against changing the date, with the government confirming there were no plans to consider an alternative celebration day.

Premier David Crisafulli said January 26 was a celebration of all cultures.

“This is a place where you can start anew, a place where dreams come true, and a place where anyone from any background can get a fair go and succeed,” he said.

“We also have the longest running continuous culture in the world, which is something we should be proud of, and something we should celebrate.

“Whether you were born here or have made Australia your home, Australia Day is a day where we come together, reflect on our history and recognise the contributions of inspiring Queenslanders.”

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell will attend the Maleny citizenship ceremony in his Glass House electorate.

Cameron Dick will celebrate Australia Day in Townsville.

“We kick off with breakfast, and then we actually have a hinterland expo for the rest of the day, where locals and tourists alike come and learn about the community,” he said. “I’m quite comfortable with Australia Day being where it is.”

Opposition Deputy Leader Cameron Dick plans to mark the occasion in Queensland’s military capital Townsville.

“I’ll be very proud to represent the Labor Party there,” he said. “It’s a great city with a great military history.

“It’s a big celebration in Townsville each year, and I’m pleased to support the troops and the community.”

Meanwhile, the federal government also made its position clear, with Queensland Senator Murray Watt confirming he did not support changing the date.

“Nor does the government,” he said.

Irha Shoaib and Rizwana Hadi get ready for Australia Day. Picture: Adam Head

“The government’s policy is that Australia Day will remain in place. We recognise there are different views about this but the government has absolutely no intention of changing the date of Australia Day.”

News Corp polling showed Invasion Day protests were also divisive, with 74 per cent of participants labelling them as “dividing the country,” though 14 per cent defended the right to protest.

Several Survival Day marches and mourning events will be held across the state on January 26 acknowledging colonial violence and invasion.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles said it was important to acknowledge shared history on Australia Day.

“I will be spending the day at a citizenship ceremony welcoming people to the best country in the world, Queensland, (which) is always a good reason to celebrate,” he said.

Cricket remains a beloved tradition, with 94 per cent of respondents passionate about matches being played on the public holiday.

A remarkable 98 per cent of respondents said they were proud to be Australian.