New poll reveals almost nine in 10 Aussies think Australia Day should stay on January 26

Almost nine in 10 Aussies think Australia Day should be celebrated on January 26 according to a new poll, with most respondents saying they’re less likely to support businesses that boycott the national day.

• Australia Day Survey: Have your say

Almost nine in 10 Australians think Australia Day should be celebrated on January 26, according to a new poll, with 86 per cent of respondents saying they’re less likely to support businesses that boycott the national day.

The findings come after the Herald Sun revealed that a foreign-owned pub giant is still refusing to acknowledge Australia Day, instead encouraging people to simply celebrate the “long weekend”.

Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton on Thursday urged Aussies to call Australian Venue Co and “express their view” about its stance, saying it was out of line with the “vast majority” the nation.

A News Corp online survey of more than 21,000 people shows at least 87 per cent support Australia Day remaining on January 26, with only 12 per cent backing calls to change the date and 1 per cent advocating no celebration.

At least three in four Australians also fired a warning shot to politicians, declaring any government that changes the date would lose their support.

Almost nine in 10 Australians think Australia Day should be celebrated on January 26 according to a new poll. Picture: Brett Hartwig

A mere 7 per cent said the move would attract their support, while 16 per cent said it wouldn’t affect their vote.

More than four in five Australians also revealed they would actively celebrate Australia Day this year, according to the national poll.

An overwhelming 86 per cent of respondents declared they would be less likely to support a business that boycotted Australia Day.

One in 10 said the decision wouldn’t make a difference to them, but 4 per cent said the move would increase their support.

The clear message to businesses comes as community calls to boycott pubs and bars operated by Australian Venue Co reignited on Thursday, amid revelations it had erased Australia Day from its promotional material despite celebrating Valentines Day and the Super Bowl but not Australia Day.

The Hong Kong owned company, which banned Australia Day celebrations because it “causes sadness” and “hurt” for some patrons and its team, was last month forced to apologise for remarks saying it wasn’t its “intention to offend anyone” or “tell anyone whether or how to celebrate”.

More than four in five Australians also revealed they would actively celebrate Australia Day this year, according to the national poll. Picture: Tom Parrish

But Mr Dutton said Australia Day should be a “great celebration” of an amazing country and its history, adding it should not be abandoned.

“Why somebody would be ashamed of that is beyond me. Why somebody who is in the business of trying to provide a custom and reaps a huge profit off the back of hardworking Australians, why they would shun the wishes of those Australians – because the vast majority of Australians, particularly patrons going into some of these establishments, want us to celebrate Australia Day – is something that that company will have to explain.

“I just say to patrons who know the pubs … that this company owns, I would encourage them to call the company and express their view.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who will attend official Australia Day events on Sunday, said people deserved to commemorate the day how they liked.

But Ms Allan acknowledged that it was a “difficult day” for some people.

“I think we can all find space in our hearts to respect that, to understand that,” she said.

“Respect also goes both ways. We’ve got to make sure that for those who want to acknowledge the day in their own way have the space to do that.”

86 per cent of respondents said they’re less likely to support businesses that boycott the national day. Picture: Nigel Hallett

State Opposition leader Brad Battin will on Sunday attend a citizenship ceremony before heading to the MCG for a joint Australia Day-Indian Republic Day function and then a barbecue in Werribee.

“Australia Day is a time of unity, of welcoming new Australians at citizenship ceremonies, reflecting on our history and celebrating our multicultural society. Backyard cricket, a day out in the city, the clinking of cold drinks, and the gathering of neighbours – this is the spirit of Australia Day,” he said.

“A recent poll found increased support for celebrating Australia Day, with Victoria recording the highest level of support. Instead of the traditional Australia Day parade, the Allan Labor Government has turned our city over to protesters.

“The poor state of Victoria is now on full display to the world, while all eyes are on Melbourne during the Australian Open’s night of nights. It’s embarrassing.”

A massive 98 per cent of respondents declared they were proud to be Australian, with 93 per cent agreeing that professional cricket should be played on our national day.