As another Australia Day approaches, we should remind all citizens that they identify themselves by their nationality and not by their religion. As a multicultural country, we freely acknowledge ethnic heritage, but consider religion a personal matter. Given the mounting conflicts currently being experienced within Australia, it may be calming for us to identify by country rather than by religion, or better still – by being Australian. D’Arcy Hardy, North Turramurra
Has support for changing the date we celebrate Australia Day really fallen away, or was it never really there in the first place (“Australia Day roars back into favour: poll”, January 24)? Sure, the media megaphone has been magnifying the issue for some years, stoking controversy to create something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. While accepting that some Australians are eager for change, it seems to me that the majority of Australians have always been content with celebrating Australia Day on January 26. So, let’s just get on with it. Irene Buckler, Glenwood
Australia Day means different things to different people.Credit: Virginia Star
I was saddened and ashamed by your editorial’s last sentence: “Voters have turned their backs on change and reform and are more concerned with bread-and-butter issues affecting their own daily lives, rather than the lives of others” (The Herald’s View, January 24). So this is the country we laud and celebrate? Are we really comfortable with ignoring our colonial history at the expense of our First Nations people? Let’s not forget that in 2023, even Opposition Leader Peter Dutton attempted an apology for boycotting the anniversary of Prime Minister Rudd’s 2008 apology to the “stolen generations”, saying he failed to grasp “the symbolic significance of the moment at the time”. Let’s celebrate a better Australia on another date that is not vexed, unfair and turns its back on history. I will celebrate then. Jennifer Fergus, Croydon
Taken together with the global trend towards jingoistic and bellicose nationalism, I find it disturbing that there is an upsurge in support for Australia Day being on January 26. As the article points out, this support comes after the failure of the Voice referendum and ignores the concerns of Indigenous communities. It will have the effect of further dampening efforts to recognise First Australians as not only the original and continuous societies, but also the very real and as yet insufficient acknowledgement of wrongs done to them over time. Mark d’Arbon, Bolton Point
Why not have Australia Day on March 3? This commemorates the passing of the Australia Act in 1986, which ensured the British Parliament could not override Australian laws. This date gives greater honour to all the heritages that form modern Australia. Ancient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, British common law and multicultural traditions, all of which are working to build a unique nation. January 26 could be designated a Memorial Day as a sign of respect. Tracy De Geer, North Arm Cove
I believe December 3 is the perfect date for celebrating Australia day. This was the day of the Eureka Stockade rebellion in 1854, a pivotal event in Australian history that initiated the breakaway from the colonial government of the time. This uprising of the people was clarion call for a fair go for all Australians. What could be more unifying? As long as the divisive date of January 26 remains, Australia will never be one. Let’s find a day that embraces all and celebrates Australia as the nation of the “fair go”. Theresa Gordon, Kingston (ACT)
I am always a bit mystified by polls and “exclusive surveys”. I have lived in Australia all my life and I have never been asked to take part in a poll or survey. I would therefore like to register my opinion. Holding Australia Day on January 26 is and always will be an insult to Aboriginal people, so hardly one that can be shared by all Australians. Why not move our national day to September 1, where it could be combined with the barely acknowledged Wattle Day to celebrate the start of spring and symbolise a bright future, rather than a dark past? Heather Johnson, West Pennant Hills
Test for voters
According to David Crowe, the second coming of Trump will be a challenge for both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton as we approach this year’s federal election (“Trump 2.0 a Musky test for PM and Dutton”, January 24). No doubt it will, but I would suggest it should rather test the Australian voter. It’s time to put your thinking caps on, people. Do we really want a government in this country that in any way emulates the crass, self-obsessed, dishonest, winner-takes-all cruel brashness of the Trump administration? I think not. It’s possible that both sides could offer us policies and reforms based on fairness, honesty and truth without resorting to schoolyard tactics. Only then will we be able to regain trust in our politicians and vote for the side with the most convincing argument. Hope springs eternal. Donna Wiemann, Balmain
Reader Donna Wiemann warns Australians to consider their votes carefully this year.Credit: Karleen Minney
The PM isn’t just facing the usual Murdoch onslaught during an election year, but now Musk and Zuckerberg’s mis/disinformation machines as well. Dutton’s “tough cop” strongman persona is textbook Trump and his rote speech of “small government” neoliberalism, which includes the “trickle-down effect” that justifies tax cuts for those who need it the least, is a continuation of the Reaganomics we have been force-fed since the Howard era. Diligent, impartial monitoring of voting venues and tight security around ballot papers will be essential to ensure those who vote against a far-right future are counted. Michael Preece, Summer Hill
For the sake of Australia’s future, let’s get Anthony Albanese back into the background during the election campaign (Letters, January 24), and allow those with a bit of charisma and public speaking ability (Wong, Chalmers, Husic, Burke) articulate the achievements of the present government and the dangers of allowing Peter Dutton into power. Alynn Pratt, Grenfell
As outlined by David Crowe, there are diplomatic challenges ahead for our nation if the new US administration decides to target us with trade measures as described by President Trump. Clearly though, the people best equipped to deal with any crisis that may develop are Anthony Albanese, Richard Marles, Penny Wong, Don Farrell and other very capable members of the current government. They have successfully negotiated a new very beneficial and workable relationship with China and have bedded down the AUKUS arrangements that were tenuous and unformed when the ALP came into power. Patience, sensitivity and superior diplomatic and negotiating skills have all been brought to bear on these vital bilateral agreements with the world’s two largest powers. The untried and untested team that Peter Dutton leads with no track record of significance in international relations would be easy game should tension arise around trade or other matters. It cannot be forgotten that the opposition leader was a senior minister in the Morrison government, which ruined the export trade with China of numerous products. On the above basis alone, voters need to strongly re-elect the Albanese government. Ross Butler, Rodd Point
It is good to see Treasurer Jim Chalmers on the attack over Coalition claims of being superior economic managers (“‘Everything will be worse under Dutton’: Chalmers on the economic attack”, January 24). The Coalition’s disingenuous claims ignore their own immense contribution to inflation when they were last in government. The ridiculous statements from both Peter Dutton and Angus Taylor show they either don’t have a clue, or they are stretching the truth for political purposes. If the Coalition was in government, we would be in a much bigger economic mess. Geoff Nilon, Mascot
Putting aside Peter Dutton’s discredited nuclear fantasy, we now have two actual policies from the Coalition: the return of the long business lunch and to legislate Australia Day on January 26, thereby unifying the country. I eagerly await other brilliant initiatives – renaming the Indian Ocean, Uluru reverting back to Ayers Rock and maybe a sponsorship deal on the East Coast … the AAMI Pacific? Phil Bradshaw, Naremburn
Playing with fire
What does Chris Barrett wish to achieve with his article (“Thanasi Kokkinakis was warned against playing in Russia. He went anyway”, January 24)? Is it to label Thanasi Kokkinakisas unpatriotic, or even treasonous? Is it anti-Russia propaganda, or is it intended to pacify Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia? Whatever the case, it is not fair, reasonable or helpful. Yes Kocky, I fully support your right to play tennis and be paid to do so – in Russia, or anywhere you like. Even in the US. Gary Hare, Narrabeen
Thanasi Kokkinakis, centre, at the presentation ceremony in St Petersburg with former Serbian player Janko Tipsarevic.Credit: Instagram
Chris Barrett writes that despite being “strongly advised” not to play in Russia, Thanasi Kokkinakis put his own earnings first and allowed the Australian flag to be displayed in a Russian propaganda event. Kokkinakis has a right to earn a living, but I believe his judgment in this case was ill-considered. As a reasonably well-paid professional, surely he did not need Russia’s bonus. Denis Suttling, Newport Beach
Hard yakka
The incentive bonus for apprentices announced by the PM is well-intentioned (“PM’s $10,000 sweetener to fix housing crisis”, January 24). Unfortunately, I suspect the extra dollars will not make the constant commitment to hard physical work any more palatable for most of the targeted youth. The Master Builders Association has stated there had a been record take-up of apprenticeships in recent years – but also a record number of withdrawals before completion. It can be a tough lifestyle, but for those who can stick it out the rewards are there. Eoin Johnston, Alstonville
Flight of fantasy
Like your correspondent, myself and many others feel the pain of unreasonably high air fares (Letters, January 24). It’s good news that the federal government has thrown regional airline Rex a $50 million lifeline, but it should go a step further. The opportunity is now there for the Commonwealth to purchase Rex outright, which will give it the opportunity to set affordable fares for the public and turn a profit at the same time. Peter Mahoney, Oatley
Beach free for all
Perhaps residents of the Northern Beaches and Mosman should visit the Shire, where we have no parking fees in public car parks (“Renters pay $250 a year to park at these Sydney beaches. That fee could be dumped”, January 23). We also have clean beaches and pools without ripping off beachside visitors. Even more importantly, perhaps the councillors of those areas could visit and learn how the Sutherland Shire Council does this. Michael McFadyen, Kareela
I am a newcomer to Sydney and find the city’s beaches beautiful. Having read your report on beach parking, it occurs to me that if the Australian beach really is the great leveller and a symbol of egalitarianism in today’s society, then either everyone should pay or it should be free for everyone. In the case of paid parking, everyone should pay the same amount, be they renter, owner or transient dweller in the area. Glenda Ellis, Drummoyne
Destructive oppression
It’s interesting to consider the perspectives of China, Trump and Musk and possible long-term outcomes ( “The MAGA movement is out to get Elon Musk – and so is China”, January 24). While China is a communist state, it’s the second-largest economy after the US and can make long-term national plans without population resistance, whether or not we accept that in democracies. America under Trump and the unelected influence of the egotistical Musk is not motivated by cohesive nation building, despite nebulous MAGA sloganeering, and is arguably edging towards a fascist state. So what might result from an inevitable Trump and Musk ego clash, MAGA’s discomfort with the rising techno-feudalism they threaten, Trump’s economic war with China and China’s aim to “dominate the world market for EVs, self-driving AI, humanoid robots, fixed energy storage and everything else that Tesla makes”?
Both national models involve their own versions of population oppression, so which might implode or prevail? Theodore Roosevelt opined that “order without liberty and liberty without order are equally destructive”. Robyn Dalziell, Kellyville
Your correspondents (Letters, January 24) indirectly raise an interesting point about Trump’s plan to make the lives of undocumented workers a misery. What has he done to make sure no undocumented workers are employed in his hotels and other businesses? Not a thing I bet, as he more than most understands the profitability of a compliant and underpaid workforce. Greg Phillipson, Aranda (ACT)
Fragrant name change
My thanks to the Botanical Gardens for naming the corpse flower “Putricia”. My grandchildren are going to have such fun with my new name (“Sydney’s long-awaited, foul-smelling ‘corpse flower’ is finally blooming”, January 23). Patricia Harvey, Orange
The blooming corpse flower nicknamed Putricia on display at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney. Credit: Kate Geraghty
Calendar girl
I’m thrilled to say I have just received my Leunig 2025 calendar in the mail. Unfortunately, it will be the last. Now that Michael has sadly left us, what about filling the hole he’s left with a Wilcox calendar for next year? Wilcox 2026 – Cathy’s 12 best cartoons from the previous year; something thought-provoking to look back on. Roger Cameron, Marrickville
Cathy Wilcox’s cartoon (January 24) showed two sides to a “home-coming”. It was so brilliantly portrayed it made me gasp. Jill Klopfer, Bilgola
Postscript
So many subjects divide us these days – Australia Day, the war in Gaza, climate change and the looming federal election, among others – but this week’s inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States seems to have united Herald readers – in dismay.
Richard Keyes was aghast that so many people could be seduced by the promises of a convicted felon. “That so many gullible people exist is truly frightening,” he wrote.
Bernard Moylan compared Trump’s inauguration speech to a nightmare. It appealed not to altruism, empathy and forgiveness, but to selfishness, greed, hatred and revenge, he said.
Greg Vale pointed out that America, like Australia, was built on immigration and Trump’s crackdown on migrants undermined everything the Statue of Liberty stood for.
Rob Phillips even took us back to the fall of Rome. He compared Trump’s penchant for filling senior government positions with his lackeys to the rise of the Roman generals, who diverted their soldiers’ loyalty away from Rome and to themselves, which ultimately led to the demise of the empire. He pondered whether Trump’s return was the beginning of the end of the American republic.
Thanks to Riley Brown, though, for bringing it all into perspective. Brown reassuringly pointed out that the world didn’t end during Trump’s last term and was unlikely to do so this time, either. Let’s hope so.
Differences of opinion are the hallmark any democracy, and few subjects bring these differences out more than Australia Day on January 26, known alternatively as Invasion Day and Survival Day, depending on your personal convictions.
Although a poll conducted for the Herald found that support for the controversial date had surged, there still seems to be no lack of support among readers for change. Jennifer Fergus speaks for many letter writers by saying: “Let’s celebrate a better Australia on another date that is not vexed, unfair and turns its back on history.”
Mark d’Arbon finds the poll result disturbing, particularly “when taken together with the global trend towards jingoistic and bellicose nationalism”.
But regardless of one’s feelings on the subject, perhaps we can all find some consensus by heeding D’Arcy Hardy’s words: “Given the mounting conflicts within Australia, it may be calming for citizens to identify by country – by being Australian.”
Enjoy the long weekend.
Ivan Hemens, letters desk
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