‘Listen’: Plea after survey reveals where Aussies stand on January 26

A survey has revealed the huge number of Australians who want a national day to celebrate our country, and one Aussie has a simple ask for those who do.

This time of year, I would usually find myself asking, “How can we still be arguing about changing the date of Australia Day from January 26?”

But this year feels different. I’ve taken on the wisdom of an Elder, and so here I am — new January 26, new me.

Last year, I had the privilege of witnessing an unforgettable Welcome to Country from Uncle Michael West before watching a performance of Horizon, a new work by First Nations dance company Bangarra.

As he welcomed us to Gadigal land, he empathised with all the First Nations people in the room — nearly a full blakout — acknowledging the pain and disillusionment that followed the Voice referendum.

Yet, his words struck a chord I hadn’t expected. Uncle Mick said, “In my eyes, we didn’t lose.”

I witnessed an unforgettable Welcome to Country at 'Horizon' at Bangarra. Picture: Supplied

Yes, the referendum failed, which is deeply painful for our people.

But there’s also something profoundly heartening to hold onto: nearly 40 per cent of the nation stood with us.

He was right. We have so many people — kind, respectful, open-hearted — who are willing to listen.

A survey of 1870 Australians, conducted by news.com.au ahead of launching The Great Aussie Debate, reveals that 70 per cent of Australians who took the survey feel it’s important to have a day to celebrate this country.

Seventy per cent of Australians who participated in the Great Aussie Debate survey feel it’s important to have a day to celebrate this country. Picture: iStock

But 14 per cent acknowledge the importance of the day but feel deeply uncomfortable marking it on the current date.

To the 14 per cent of voters who are beginning to open their hearts, and to any of the 70 per cent who are willing to listen, I extend an invitation: read on.

Let’s be honest: this issue goes far beyond the date of a national holiday.Those clinging to the idea that it’s just about moving a day are missing the point, and the profound impact of January 26 on First Nations people.

Have your say in The Great Aussie Debate. Take the survey here:

Recently, my mum attended a gym class of about eight people.

During the class, a discussion about Australia Day arose.

One participant defiantly declared, “Nobody’s going to tell me when I can or can’t celebrate this country.”

Another chimed in:

“My mate gave me a bunch of Australian flags for this weekend, and in the mix was an Aboriginal flag. I said, ‘What the hell would I want this for?’”

A third added, “I hope you threw that Indigenous one in the bin where it belongs.”

My mum managed to respond with incredible composure and grace:

“Excuse me, but this conversation is making me feel extremely uncomfortable. I am Wiradjuri, and honestly, it’s perplexing to witness this kind of talk in 2025.”

The group back-pedalled, visibly embarrassed … but not a single one of them apologised.These people, assuming they were among like-minded company, demonstrated an alarming casual nature of racism and proved why this debate is not all about changing a date.

Some 14 per cent of Aussies acknowledge the importance of the day but feel deeply uncomfortable marking it on the current date

We, the original custodians of this land, make up just 3 per cent of the population.

My deepest hope is one day that 3 per cent will finally be properly treated as equals in our own home.

To the 70 per cent who support celebrating on January 26, I ask you this year to reflect on why it’s so important to you.

Look into the history of the day. Try to see it from the perspective of a First Nations person.

For many First Nations people Australia Day feels like a celebration of colonisation, a stark reminder of a dark and painful history.

January 26 has become a divisive date for some. Picture: Supplied

For First Nations people, there is little reason to celebrate.

It feels as though there’s no consideration or even widespread understanding of what this date signifies.

Much of the history we are taught revolves around colonisation, overlooking the rich cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — who were the first astronomers, horticulturalists, and so much more.

Imagine if we flipped the script.

What if we all learnt about our whole history, predating Captain Cook’s arrival? What if we acknowledged the devastating impacts of colonisation and celebrated the incredible cultures that have endured?

Celebrating this country means ensuring everyone is treated equally with respect, and that every perspective is valued.

I understand that January 26 holds significance for many, but does clinging to this day truly embody the values of mateship, compassion, and inclusiveness that we so proudly associate with being Australian?

This year I am focusing on the people who stand with us, not against us. Picture: iStock

And to the allies, thank you.

We see you. We hear you. And, we are grateful.

I understand that we have a long way to go, but perhaps this January 26, as you celebrate your version of Australia Day, take a moment to reflect and connect.

Listen to a song by a First Nations artist. Purchase a piece of artwork or clothing from a First Nations creator. Read a book that sheds light on our stories and histories.

Or simply listen — hold space for someone in your life who is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.