Moonee Valley councillor push for January 26 to be confirmed as Australia Day

A SUBURBAN councillor is pushing for January 26 to be confirmed as Australia Day. But the motion is not backed by his council’s management.

A SUBURBAN councillor is pushing for January 26 to be confirmed as Australia Day.

But the motion by Richard Lawrence of the City of Moonee Valley Council is not backed by management.

Cr Lawrence said part of his motivation was the trend by some inner-city councils to dump citizenship ceremonies on January 26 and to agitate for changing the date out of ­respect for Aborigines.

They include Greens-dominated Yarra and Darebin councils. Moreland Council joined them in dumping Australia Day, but continued holding citizenship ceremonies.

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Richard Lawrence wants January 26 for Australia Day. Picture: Kylie Else

Cr Lawrence said Australia Day was a unifying occasion, “it’s a celebration of all things Australian on January 26”.

But in response to his motion, due to be debated on Tuesday night, a council officer said it wasn’t supported.

“The date that Australia Day is recognised is decided by the Federal Government,” said the officer.

Asked to explain the officer’s position, Moonee Valley CEO Bryan Lancaster said the council did not have a formal position on Australia Day and nor did it hold a specific celebration on the day.