Peter Dutton promises to reinstate mandatory Australia Day citizenship ceremonies if elected

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to restore the requirement for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day if the Coalition wins the election.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to reinstate the mandatory requirement for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day if the Coalition wins the 2025 election.

Speaking at a press conference in Melbourne on Monday, Mr Dutton criticised the Albanese government’s approach to Australia Day celebrations, accusing the Prime Minister of signalling to councils that the date “didn’t matter” and was “something to be ashamed of.”

“I believe we live in the greatest country in the world. I’m incredibly proud of Australians and who we are. I’m proud of our Indigenous heritage. I’m very proud of our migrant story, and I’m very proud of the fact that we are a country that should stand up and protect and defend its values,” Mr Dutton said.

In a direct promise, he stated the Coalition would act quickly to reintroduce the requirement.

Peter Dutton vowed to reinstate the requirement for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day if the coalition government wins the election in 2025. Picture: NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

“Would we reinstate the requirement for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day? You bet it’ll be done in the first 100 days, and it will be a sign of pride and nationalism in our country,” he said.

Mr Dutton highlighted his vision for a united Australia, urging the public to “stand up for what we believe in” and rejecting what he described as divisive signals from the government.

Many residents want to celebrate Australia Day. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“So the Prime Minister sent a signal to those councils that Australia Day didn’t matter, but that’s exactly what it did,” Mr Dutton said.

The Opposition Leader also accused government appointees, such as Stephen Smith, of being ashamed of Australia, a sentiment he said was incomprehensible to him.

His comments come as debates over the significance and celebration of January 26 continue to spark heated discussions across the nation.

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Originally published as Peter Dutton promises to reinstate mandatory Australia Day citizenship ceremonies if elected