National discussion needed on changing the date, says Premier

The Premier has weighed in on the debate to change the date, revealing what he thinks would be best not just for the public, but for the economy. WHAT HE SAID + HAVE YOUR SAY >>

Changing the date of Australia Day to fall on a weekend could be less disruptive to the public and the economy, says Premier Peter Gutwein.

Mr Gutwein was asked if he supported the idea of changing the date, revealing he’d be open to discussion to set a date everyone was comfortable with.

“My position hasn’t changed from last year, I think there should be a national conversation,” Mr Gutwein said.

“In terms of the date itself, it obviously does cause division within our community.

“It’s interesting if you consider the Queen’s Birthday, I couldn’t tell you the date of her birth but I think it’s in April but we celebrate the Queens Birthday in June.”

Premier Peter Gutwein during the Covid update at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Gutwein said the solution could be to revert back to previous arrangements.

“When I was growing up, what we used to have was a long weekend in January and that was when we celebrated the Australia Day weekend,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Personally I think that was quite a reasonable model.

“So a model that would actually have a weekend that would obviously rollover onto different dates each year is one I think used to work and I think should be considered.”

And he said it could be a model many prefer.

“Having a holiday in the middle of the week is very disruptive for people both going about their normal daily lives but also for our economy,” Mr Gutwein said.

“And so reverting back to a weekend in January I think would be sensible.”

Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council chairman Michael Mansell said the comments were encouraging.

“He needs to take the next leap and say the Tasmanian government’s policy will be not to celebrate on January 26,” Mr Mansell said.

“It only takes one premier to take the lead and the others will follow.

“The states cannot leave it to the federal government.”

Meanwhile Mr Mansell said the Federal Government’s ownership of the Aboriginal flag was

“That flag represents Aboriginal liberation from the people who took over our country and reduced us to beggars on our own land,” Mr Mansell said.

“When we march against them we want to raise our flag high and now we have to ask their permission.”

Mr Mansell said Aboriginal communities should have been consulted.

“It’s a grubby arrangement between Harold Thomas and the Australian government, waving a cheque in front of him,” he said.

“The Federal Government did not go anywhere near Aboriginal people and get permission.”

What’s on:

• TAC Invasion Day Rally online
• Sandy Bay Regatta at Long Beach
• Citizenship ceremonies across the state including Hobart, Launceston (not open to the public) and Devonport and Burnie
• Australia Day Award ceremonies in Hobart, Devonport and Burnie
• Australia Day Competition at Lake Pedder
• Australia Day Cruise from Queens Domain
• Australia Day at Adventure Bay at Bruny Bowls and Community Club
• Jumping Tasmania South - Australia Day Show at Tasmanian Equestrian Centre
• Mount Lyell Strahan Picnic at West Strahan Beach