Melbourne’s Australia Day parade shelved for third consecutive year

After being shelved for a third consecutive year, fear is mounting over the future of the city’s traditional Australia Day parade.

Doubt has been cast over the future of Melbourne’s traditional Australia Day parade, after being shelved for a third year. Picture: Nicole Cleary

Melbourne’s traditional Australia Day parade has been cancelled for a third consecutive year, with fears it may never return, as thousands of public servants have been given the green light to work on January 26.

The Herald Sun can reveal Victorian Court staff are being given the option to work from home on Thursday, and take another day off, despite most courthouses in the state being closed.

A Court Services Victoria spokesman said: “The operation of courts involves more than just hearings. Even if a court is closed, as some are on public holidays, staff who receive permission to work that day can undertake tasks which can be done at any time.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday said it was “fine” to let Commonwealth public servants work in January 26.

The parade is a celebration of all cultures and backgrounds. Picture: Nicole Cleary

He told Kyle & Jackie O: “I myself will have a very busy Australia Day. I have a full schedule, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Mr Albanese’s comments prompted Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to say it was time for Australians to rediscover pride in the nation.

“We live in the greatest country in the world. We shouldn’t be ashamed of our history,” he said.

“Yes, we have a proud indigenous history, we’ve got a proud British history, and we’ve got a great migrant story to tell, and our country is a blend of all three – no one above the other – and we should be very proud of our place on the world stage with what we’ve been able to achieve in our country.”

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said as part of the City of Melbourne’s celebrations, 200 new citizens would be welcomed at the city’s biggest ever citizenship ceremony.

“These ceremonies mark a huge achievement for many new Australians as they embark on their life as a citizen of this great country,” she said.

“It’s a chance for us all to reflect on the privileges we enjoy, and to celebrate our vibrant multicultural community.

Colin Morrow and Clare Bridgeman, both from Ireland, will get their citizenship on Australia Day this year. Picture: Tony Gough.

“The fact we are welcoming such a large number of new citizens highlights what a special place Melbourne truly is.

“It’s a city that people want to make their home, and we couldn’t be more honoured that more people are choosing to do that this year than ever before.”

A state government spokesman refused to answer specific questions about the parade, including why it was cancelled and if it would return next year.

Acting premier Jacinta Allan said this week celebrations held across the state would be organised by different communities in different ways.

“It is appropriate that Australia Day events recognise that for some, in particular our First Nations people, it can be are ally difficult and challenging day,” she said.

“It is also a day for communities to come together and reflect on what it is that makes our society strong and makes our community great, and how we can continue to build on that.

“That’s why there’s a range of appropriate Australia Day events that are held across the state that are supported by local communities, that are developed by local communities and reflect the community.”