National day worthy of ceremony

Demands by some local councils for compensation from the federal government if they are forced to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day is symptomatic of a deeper malaise. The use of extreme heat and irregular working hours as justification for not doing so suggests a weakness of heart and character.

In Melbourne on Monday, Peter Dutton raised the issue of making it mandatory for local councils to hold citizenship ceremonies and vowed to make changes in his first 100 days in office if elected. The Opposition Leader is tapping into a deep community sentiment that Australia’s national day has been hijacked by minority groups as something to be ashamed of.

The high tide was reached with a fateful decision by Woolworths to not sell Australia Day merchandise in 2024. This decision has been reversed and a new sense of retail patriotism discovered following a community backlash. The feeling among many corporate leaders and investors is that the world has passed peak woke. This does not mean that the date chosen for Australia Day, January 26, is not still controversial. But the issue of citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day can be distinct from the issue of whether January 26 is the best date for recognition of our nationhood. The issue is more about respect.

The Australian Local Government Association, representing 537 councils nationwide, is attempting to have it both ways by urging pragmatism. The fact is many councils will continue their longstanding tradition of welcoming new citizens on Australia Day. Others have shown themselves willing to exploit community divisions for their own political ends. The Albanese government has done little to stop the grandstanding.

The initial decision by Australian high commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith not to attend Australia Day functions is telling.

A lack of respect for our national institutions from government can lead only to a deeper malaise, such as the anti-Semitic violence we now see playing out on our streets and university campuses with regard to Israel.