Territory leaders express support for Australia Day, call for respect

Eva Lawler and Lia Finocchiaro have found common ground on the issue of Australia Day. Read their comments.

The Northern Territory’s top political leaders have found common ground ahead of the nation’s most divisive date.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler and opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro have both expressed their support for Australia Day.

Ms Lawler confirmed she would enjoy the public holiday and its festivities.

“I do go to all of the Australia Day celebrations as Chief Minister, but also I have always gone as a local member,” she said.

Ms Lawler conceded it was, however, a difficult day for some First Nations people.

“I continue to celebrate Australia Day but I also acknowledge the hurt that some Indigenous people feel,” she said.

Deputy Chief Minister and Arrernte man Chansey Paech maintained Australia Day was a day to celebrate, but acknowledged some Territorians may feel different.

“I think (Friday) is a day for Territorians to celebrate – however they choose to, I hope, is with the people and families that they love,” he said.

“It means many different things to many different people and we need to acknowledge that, we need to have time to reflect on the journey where we’ve come (from) and where we can go to as a future that is inclusive of all Territorians, their goals and their aspirations.”

Mr Paech said Territorians were “not homogenous people” and that “many Aboriginal communities” would celebrate Australia Day and Invasion Day alike.

“Many Aboriginal communities will choose to celebrate (Australia Day), many will celebrate Invasion Day, that’s their choice,” he said.

“We just hope however people choose to spend tomorrow they do it doing something that they love, they do it respectfully and they do it with friends and family.”

Ms Finocchiaro shared a similar position to her adversaries and confirmed she would partake in the public holiday’s festivities.

“Australia Day is a day we can all come together and celebrate and importantly welcome new Australians,” she said.

“I’ll be attending many functions across the day including with our multicultural communities who celebrate because we are proud to live in the best country in the world – this is a day we can all celebrate together with respect.”

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said he believed “no country is perfect” but was “proud” to be Australian.

“(I’m) proud to be a fourth generation veteran and proud to still be serving our country as the federal representative for the most special and multicultural place in Australia,” he said.

Mr Gosling said his experiences abroad had convinced him Australia was “worth celebrating”.

“No country is perfect and I understand how difficult this day is for many,” he said.

“But I’ve also seen enough of the world to know that we have a nation and a people worth celebrating.

“I hope all Australians, however they spend today, show respect to each other keep it classy.”