Bid to move Australia Day citizenship ceremonies defeated at Moreland Council

AN ATTEMPT to move citizenship ceremonies from Australia Day because of the grief the date causes for indigenous people has been narrowly defeated at a council in Melbourne’s northwest.

A motion to Moreland Council suggested moving citizenship ceremonies from Australia Day because of the negative connotations the date has for many indigenous people.

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A MOTION to no longer hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day was narrowly voted down by Moreland councillors.

Cr Samantha Ratnam presented the motion at last week’s council because the “date represents the start of colonisation and dispossession of the Australia’s first nations,” she wrote.

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Cr Ratnam, who chairs the Reconciliation Advisory Committee, said the motion was a recommendation from the group.

It was rejected five votes to six.

Valerie Marcos from the Philippines at a citizenship ceremony this year. Picture: Dennis Manktelow

“We ask (the indigenous community) to celebrate with us on a day that marks incredible grief and mourning for all Aboriginal people across this country,” she told the meeting.

“This is one way that our council can support them in their move towards treaty and reconciliation.”

Several councillors voiced concerns about Australia Day and its connotations for indigenous people, but said citizenship ceremonies were vital for new Australians.

An Australia Day citizenship ceremony held before an A-League game at Docklands this year. Picture: Darrian Traynor

“There are no greater stories than the Dreamtime and there are no sadder stories than what has happened to our indigenous first people in this country,” Cr Lambros Tapinos said.

Cr Annalivia Carli Hannan said removing ceremonies could create a greater gap in the community.

“My concern with this new direction is that it’s pitting our marginalised first nation people against our marginalised new migrant community,” she said.