NSWALC says change the date, stop political potshots in lead-up to Survival Day

23 January, 2025

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) stands resolute in believing the date of Australia Day should change, and will continue to stand up for mob in the face of recent divisive comments made by Commonwealth politicians.

“We’re sick of the disrespectful cheap shots about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, and the Welcome to Country ceremonies. We’re over the divisive Australia Day debate and politicians trying to use our people as punching bags to win votes,’’ NSWALC Chairman Councillor Raymond Kelly said. “This is a sad legacy of the Voice referendum debate.

“January 26 is the day that represents the invasion and dispossession of Aboriginal lands, and the beginning of colonisation. This is a fact we shouldn’t have to re-prosecute every year. We will not move on until the date of Australia Day itself is moved.

“If people are genuinely interested in First Nations issues, Welcome to Country demonstrates respect for the traditional custodians of the land upon which the event is taking place, and for the history and culture of the land and its people throughout time. Instead of being divisive and demeaning our Traditional Owners and Elders, we ask politicians across the political spectrum to instead celebrate the world’s oldest living culture,’’ Chairperson Kelly said.

Dual naming is a powerful way of healing country, protecting our culture and connecting community. “To hear words in language is emotionally and spiritually powerful. It connects us to our Old People and to call landscape and other places by their original names we have been using for tens of thousands of years is profoundly moving and plays an important role in truth-telling as we walk the path of reconciliation together. Dual naming has been a successful tool to honour language, heritage and history in other countries, such as Ireland and Canada, so why shouldn’t it work in Australia.

“Our flag highlights the importance of Aboriginal heritage and culture and is widely embraced as a representation of identity and the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights within Australia,’’ Chairperson Kelly said. The flag is not intended to challenge or undermine other communities or groups, but to reflect the significance of Aboriginal peoples’ experiences, he said.