Two views on Australia Day
Time for leaders to unify Australia
This 26 January, more Australians than ever will be re-evaluating the meaning of our national day and how to celebrate it while respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In 1994, the Australian Government declared a national public holiday that is increasingly dividing our nation and is now being weaponised for political point scoring.
The original purpose of the day was to inspire Australians and good leadership, giving the nation a day to “celebrate its achievements and its people, and reflect on what it means to be Australian”.
Thirty years on, 26 January divides our nation.
That division is traumatic for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and supporters who want to change the date.
On 26 January 1788, the British Empire landed at what became Sydney Cove, forever changing the world’s oldest continuous living culture. The date marks the start of massacres, genocide and introduced diseases that decimated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the continent. An entire population was dehumanised and denied fundamental human rights.
In 2025, in the wake of the failed Voice referendum, we see decades of progress and change toward reconciliation being reviewed and wound back. We see some local governments removing Acknowledging Country from formal events, sports associations stopping Welcome to Country events, political leaders calling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags divisive and an increase in notifications of racism to our organisation.
This isn’t leadership. Leadership is a privileged role; it is about being curious, listening, celebrating diversity and engaging to learn. Leadership involves unifying and doing better. Know better. Do better.
There is some cause for optimism.
Many organisations, from Woolworths to Telstra and Wesfarmers, now give employees the option to work on the 26 January public holiday and take a different day off in lieu. Indeed, a recent survey found that 75 per cent of Australian workers would prefer to work on 26 January. More than eight million working Australians (70%) want the option to work on Australia Day, with nearly half of them (35%) not having the choice.
A May 2024 Ipsos poll titled Australians’ Perceptions of First Nations Issues found that 57 per cent of Australians believe there should be a retelling of Australia’s history from First Nations perspectives. This shows that a majority of the community is curious and respectfully moving forward and demonstrates that Australians are accepting of change.
Similarly, at Reconciliation SA we are working with an ever-growing number of organisations keen to develop Reconciliation Action Plans: to engage and listen. Schools, some local councils and corporates big and small are investing in curiosity and education to know better and do better.
Why aren’t those in political leadership similarly curious and open to change?
Reconciliation requires engaging with authenticity and being curious. It requires truth telling and truth listening, acceptance of hard truths, and understanding.
It also requires an acceptance that we’re yet to find the right balance in equality and equity. This is the way forward if we as leaders wish to unite all Australians and show the world our maturity as a country.
We often hear opponents say progress towards truth telling and honesty is “woke nonsense”. The definition of woke is “to be awake”, which is a component of good leadership.
This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week in May is Bridging Now to Next, reflecting the connection between past, present and future. It coincides with the 25-year anniversary of the Reconciliation Walk over Sydney Harbour Bridge where 250,000 Australians called for change.
In the spirit of the initial intention of Australia Day, let’s come together and create a change that unites all of us.
In 2025 let’s stand up, be unifying leaders, and create an inclusive future where every Australian has a sense of pride and belonging.
Jeremy Johncock is a Wirangu and Mirning man and Co-Chair of Reconciliation SA. Jason Downs is Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation SA.
A day to reflect on this great country
The last 12 months have been challenging. The world as we know it has changed significantly.
With our national day approaching, it is important to highlight our diversity, deepen our understanding of each other, acknowledge our past and look optimistically to the future, while recognising that we are living through challenging times.
The experience of war and human conflict beyond our shores has never been far from our minds.
Closer to home, we have wrestled with the promise of this great nation amid the realities of a housing crisis, regional towns and businesses struggling to find staff, and essential services under increasing strain from ever-growing demands.
Amid these challenges, we have drawn heavily on our own love of Australia, and now more than ever we can’t take this country for granted.
Home to the oldest continuous living cultures in the world, ours is a nation often described as innovative, compassionate, and generous.
While no society is without its flaws, our collective strength lies in the questions we ask ourselves.
What is our role when world and national events can seem overwhelming? Is there a part each of us can play in helping to shape a future that reflects the best of who we are?
At the Australia Day Council of South Australia, we view our national day as an opportunity to listen to and truly hear the opinions of others.
As a society, we must strive to ensure none of our citizens are left behind or disempowered.
We recognise the diverse opinions regarding how we should come together on this national day and consider the range of perspectives as evidence of a robust democracy.
It’s why our day will begin with a First Nations-led Smoking Ceremony at 7.30am at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama on the banks of the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri.
It is a meaningful opportunity for everyone to reflect on our shared history and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations peoples of this place, and their perspectives.
This year, we will focus on the significance and centrality of First Nations languages.
We can all be proud that these languages are some of the longest continuously spoken in the world. But with many at risk, their revival and protection are urgent.
Following this, Aus Lights on the River 2025 will showcase diverse stories and highlight the community organisations, performers, and charities that contribute to the greatness of our state, including our dedicated first responders.
This family-friendly event is jam-packed with activities and performances and will create a sense of community and belonging and reflect a day for everyone to participate in.
In these uncertain times, connection is more important than ever. By sharing stories of resilience, inclusion, and leadership, our role is to inspire positive change and foster a socially cohesive society.
Whether we were born in Australia or are citizens by choice, let us reflect on this great nation and consider what difference we can make to shape a reconciled and unified nation.
Jan Chorley is the CEO of the Australia Day Council of South Australia.