Council
23 January, 2025
MP throws support behind Australia Day
MEMBER for Western Victoria Bev McArthur has thrown her support behind Australia Day remaining on January 26, in what she has called a “time for unity”.
Mrs McArthur, who was recently appointed Shadow Minister for Local Government and Scrutiny of Government, said the traditional date of January 26 should be supported.
Controversy has often surrounded the date as January 26, first celebrated as ‘Australia Day’ in 1935, marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
For some, the day is viewed as one which holds proudly the date the First Fleet arrived and dispossessed Aboriginal people as the original land owners.
Mrs McArthur said she believed the traditional date of January 26 remained one in which the nation could collectively celebrate its shared history.
“January 26 should remain the central occasion for the nation to come together, reflect on our shared history and celebrate the many achievements that make Australia the great country it is today,” she said.
Mrs McArthur cited recent data from the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) which showed 69 per cent of Australians overwhelmingly support celebrating Australia Day, an increase from 63 per cent the previous year, saying the findings “underscore the strength of national unity that transcends political divides and cultural differences”.
“This finding affirms what the majority of Australians already know: Australia is a country that has embraced and flourished with diversity, and our national day should remain a moment for unity, not division,” she said.
Mrs McArthur said she was concerned the Victorian Government and local government areas, such as the Melbourne City Council, would continue ahead with policies which are “steadfastly continuing to shelve the annual Australia Day parade and allow staff to work on this public holiday by taking a separate day off of their choosing”.
“State Labor Government MPs and the Melbourne City Council continue to push an agenda that seeks to degrade our national celebrations, attempting to portray our national day as shameful,” she said.
“These divisive narratives are not only inaccurate, but they fail to reflect the lived experience of the vast majority of Australians who are proud of our history and hopeful for our future.”
Mrs McArthur called on the State Government and Melbourne City Council to reconsider their approach and instead stand with the overwhelming majority of Australians who want to see Australia Day celebrated as a day for all people.
“This is not the time for division. It is a time for unity,” she said.
“Australia is a great nation, made up of people from all walks of life who contribute to the rich and diverse tapestry of our society.
“This is a moment for us to come together - governments, corporations, communities - to embrace the values that make us proud to call this island ‘home’.
“In a time when the world faces many challenges, Australia remains a beacon of opportunity and freedom.
“Let’s shed any bias and stand with the majority of Australian people to make this Australia Day on January 26th a true reflection of the spirit of our nation - strong, resilient and proud.”
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