‘Australia Day is painful’: Clover Moore defends informal boycott

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore has supported councils no longer holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, calling it a “painful” day for many.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore has supported councils no longer holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, calling it a “painful” day for many.

The Saturday Telegraph on Saturday revealed more than 80 local councils across Australia have decided to scrap citizenship ceremonies on January 26.

Ms Moore said the City of Sydney will be holding ceremonies on January 29 instead, in line with the new government code, just as they did this year.

She said ceremonies formerly held on January 26 in the City of Sydney had low turnouts of only 10-15 people, while their new January 29 date is expected to see 160 people become Australian citizens.

Ms Moore also put her full support behind changing the date of Australia Day, claiming that “the date of a national celebration should not be on Invasion Day”.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore says only small numbers of people were turning up for past citizenship events held on Australia Day. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“The City of Sydney strongly supports changing the date of Australia’s national day to one that can be fully embraced and celebrated by all Australians,” she said.

“Advocating for a change of date won’t resolve the devastating and far-reaching impacts of colonisation but it does provide a platform for an ongoing and honest conversation.”

The Opposition claims Anthony Albanese is ‘laying the groundwork’ for the abolition of Australia Day on January 26. Picture: Nikki Short

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone, however, said Fairfield will “always” hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26.

“I just believe councils should celebrate it on the day when people celebrate it (Australia Day), and Australia Day is very important to us all. It’s about our journey here, our identity and who we are no matter where we come from,” he said.

“If the federal government have any problems with that, they should change the date.”

“We feel its important as a council that we play a role of uniting Australians on one day, not dividing people.”

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said that he also won’t budge, urging other councils to do the same.

“Liverpool is the best example of people from all faiths, colours, and cultures working together as one, co-creating a better Australia for all,” he said, noting that Liverpool is the only council with a signed agreement with Gandagarra, their local Aboriginal Land Council.

“This is the best country in the world and we should celebrate it,” he continued.

“That doesn’t mean we are perfect, it doesn’t mean there isn’t more to do, but I tell you what, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in this world.”

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said his council’s ceremony date change wasn’t “permanent”.

“We have just opened a big new council chamber and we want to showcase that the night before when we give out Australian Citizenship awards,” he said.

“We’re hoping to create a community function on the Friday (January 26) to allow people to celebrate … It’s really just the way things have rolled out this year.”