Star ruckman Nic Naitanui calls on WA government to change the date of Australia Day
Eagles star Nic Naitanui has tweeted a passionate statement on the date of Australia Day – and he has called on the WA government to ‘stand up’ and take action.
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Star ruckman Nic Naitanui is calling on the Western Australian government to ‘stand up’ and change the date of Australia Day.
Naitanui acknowledged that not everyone would agree with his views but added that “division is boring as s---”.
He believes moving the national public holiday from the 26th of January will help alleviate tensions and create a more inclusive celebration from Australians of all backgrounds.
The current date marks the day when Governor Arthur Philip raised the British flag in Sydney Cove in 1788. He argues that it celebrates a ‘dark’ period for indigenous Australians.
Not everyone’s gonna agree with me but ah well. At the end of the day unity is so much more fun, division is boring as shit 🤷ðŸ¾â€â™‚ï¸ #AusDay pic.twitter.com/CO6M4GfKbk
— Nic Naitanui (@NicNat) January 23, 2020
“To be honest it’s tiring seeing the protesting, these debates and the hate in peoples (sic) hearts this period every year,” Naitanui said in a tweet.
“I’d love the WA population to lead the way in this space and find an appropriate date.”
“Although 1788 marks a dark period for indigenous Australians, acknowledgment and not shying away from historical events for educational/progressional purposes is important.
“If a simple change of date helps to appease tension, unify Australians and collectively allow us to celebrate this amazing country I’m all for it.”
“Time to stand up and be different #daretobedifferentWA.”
Naitanui tweeted to his 80,000 followers earlier asking who believes the date of Australia Day should remain the same, receiving more than 100 replies.
Curious to know who thinks the date should change or remain the same 🤷ðŸ¾â€â™‚ï¸ would love to know your reasoning too https://t.co/fq36fWw5RY
— Nic Naitanui (@NicNat) January 22, 2020
He also posted a poll: ‘should the Australia Day date be changed?’
The Eagle has been a passionate campaigner in the fight against racism throughout his career, most recently calling out racist slurs against indigenous teammate Liam Ryan in March last year.