Maribyrnong Council says date of Australia Day not a council matter
Despite being home to one of the ‘most culturally diverse communities’ in the state, Maribyrnong Council says Australia Day isn’t up to them.
North West
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Maribyrnong Council’s chief executive says “serious consideration” needs to be given to any changes to the Citizenship Code given Maribyrnong is “one of the most culturally diverse communities in Victoria”.
Two weeks ago, Federal Immigration Minister David Coleman sent a letter to all councils outlining a review of the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code after a handful of municipalities voted to move citizenship events from Australia Day out of respect for indigenous people.
The changes would force local councils to hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day and Australian Citizenship Day on September 17. There would also be a dress code that would ban thongs and board shorts at the ceremonies.
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Councils can submit feedback on the revised code until February 28.
The letter came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would “not undermine Australia’s national day”.
The council’s chief executive Stephen Wall said there were many citizenship ceremonies in Maribyrnong every year and they ran smoothly in the current format.
“Each year, we hold at least 11 ceremonies with between 30 and 40 participants at each ceremony,” he said. “This is a special occasion for most and we have never had any problems with anyone being inappropriately attired.
“Citizenship ceremonies are vital to our community as we are one of the most culturally diverse communities in Victoria, with 135 nationalities represented.”
Between 2011 and 2016, Maribyrnong welcomed 9146 new citizens.
Mr Wall said any changes to the date of Australia Day was a matter for the state and federal governments to consider.
rachel.clayton@news.com.au
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