Another day, another Oz Day dispute

GREENS senator Nick McKim has offered to hold citizenship ceremonies for Tasmanian councils that ignore the Federal Government’s demand to hold them on Australia Day.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Sunday councils that refused to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26 could face having their powers to hold the events revoked.

In a letter sent to the state’s 29 councils yesterday, Senator McKim labelled Mr Morrison’s comments “bullying” and “an attempt by the Prime Minister to force his version of patriotism onto everyone else”.

“It is also disrespectful of Aboriginal people, and of Tas- manian local governments that may wish to not hold citizenship ceremonies on 26 January as a mark of respect for Aboriginal Tasmanians,” Senator McKim said.

The Greens had found legislation that meant senators could preside at citizenship ceremonies, Senator McKim said. He offered to oversee such events on days other than January 26.

“I hope the actions of the Morrison Government do not dissuade your local government from discussing the sensitivities of January 26, and finding ways to make citizenship ceremonies respectful to First Australians,” Senator McKim said.

Hobart’s councils have said they already planned to hold citizenship events on Australia Day, although Hobart City Council will continue to push for the date to be changed.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said some aldermen and councillors, including herself, planned to attend the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre’s Invasion Day rally as well as the council’s citizenship ceremony at Long Point Reserve.

Glenorchy City Council mayor Kristie Johnston said her council would hold a citizenship ceremony on January 26.

“We take our civic responsibility very seriously and we’ll be conducting a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day,” Ald Johnston said.

Kingborough Council was contacted for comment.

Mr Morrison dismissed the Greens’ offer — made across the nation — as a stunt.