Australia Day in Question

Every January the Australian population celebrates its national day – Australia Day - with breathtaking fireworks and sumptuous barbecues. However, this public holiday is accompanied by numerous protests by the indigenous community of Australia. For the majority of Indigenous Australians who have long suffered under colonial domination, Australia Day is not a day of joy, but rather a day of political and cultural struggle.

Since the 19th century the Indigenous Australians – the communities of Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islanders – have fought hard for their equality within the Australian community. However, the process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians began only in earnest in the 1960s and the Indigenous are still at a disadvantage compared to their non-indigenous counterparts today.

There is a lively debate about the pros and cons of Australia Day. Some Australians wish to change the date of Australia Day in order to advance the process of reconciliation, while the Australia Day National Committee appeals to all Australians to celebrate Australia Day and reflect on the Australian history.