Mixed feelings bedevil Australia's national day

MANY may find it nearly impossible to just relax and enjoy Australia Day.

KEVIN Rudd has urged Australians to do what many find nearly impossible: just relax and enjoy Australia Day.

"Allow me to lead a toast to our great land, Australia," the Prime Minister said yesterday, raising a glass at the first of many official Australia Day receptions he will host in the next 24 hours.

It was a fine sentiment but, in fact, no country agonises over its national day the way Australians do. Are we right to celebrate and, if so, when and how, and with or without the flag?

And this year's list of things that might be wrong with Australia Day is longer than ever. Fresh concerns were raised yesterday over whether Australia Day had become too commercial; too dangerous; too boozy; or too bogan.

The answer to the first question, according to Bill Proud, marketing lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology, was yes.

Australia Day had become an "explosion of Australia Day merchandise" including Southern Cross bikinis, which had sold out nearly everywhere.

If the unleashed beast that is capitalism weren't enough to ruin Australia Day, the nanny state might. NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan was moved yesterday to warn people to be careful around hot coals.

"As people prepare to entertain family and friends on January 26, it is imperative that people be aware of precautions to avoid injuries," Mr Whan said.

"In Sydney's eastern suburbs last year, for example, a house caught fire when heat beads that had not been properly extinguished reignited under a wooden deck.

"Luckily no one was injured."

For its part, the Chamber of Commerce, which used to complain about people getting a long weekend for Australia Day, is now complaining about the holiday being taken on the actual day (because many people will "chuck a sickie" today, and get a four-day weekend).

Also complaining was the animal rights group, PETA, which is upset at former footballer Sam Kekovich for advertising lamb for the barbecue. In its statement, spokeswoman Fawn Porter said: "I know that we all need to pay the bills, (but) using your mug to promote an unhealthy diet is what is really un-Australian".

Given all this, one might think the average Aussie has no idea how to approach Australia Day, but the opposite is true. The Australia Day Council this year conducted a poll to discover what Australians wanted to celebrate on Australia Day. The answer was pretty much everything.

Asked if the day should incorporate indigenous culture and beliefs, Australians said yes. Asked if it should celebrate cultural diversity, they again said yes. Asked if we should reflect on the past, or consider the future, they said yes, both. "What Australians are saying is not that we should recognise one thing over another, but that our national celebrations should reflect the many things that make Australia what it is," Australia Day Council chief executive Warren Pearson said.