Chief backs Aust Day date
Chief Minister supports keeping Australia Day date
CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has put his support behind keeping Australia Day on January 26.
Although acknowledging the date of the national holiday was divisive, Mr Gunner said Australia Day should be about unity.
“January 26 must meaningfully acknowledge the entire story of our nation. This means more than acknowledgement of country and a smoking ceremony,” he said.
“It means a genuine celebration of the Aboriginal contribution to our national identity ... I want to ensure a balance between celebrations and ensure new ways are explored that promote and encourage an approach that is inclusive of all Australians.”
CHIEF MINISTER Michael Gunner has put his support behind keeping Australia Day on January 26.
Although acknowledging the date of the national holiday was divisive, Mr Gunner said Australia Day should be about unity.
“January 26 must meaningfully acknowledge the entire story of our nation. This means more than acknowledgement of country and a smoking ceremony,” he said.
“It means a genuine celebration of the Aboriginal contribution to our national identity. A celebration of all this continent’s waves of immigration.
“As President of the Australia Day Council, I want to ensure a balance between celebrations and ensuring new ways are explored that promote and encourage an approach that is inclusive of all Australians.
“The Territory should and will lead how we best celebrate Australia Day together.”
To support this, the NT Government has granted an additional $50,000 to remote communities to celebrate the day. NT taxpayers already provide the Australia Day Council with $140,000 to support events.
The extra money will go towards events in remote areas, including Angurugu, Belyuen, Nhulunbuy, Galiwinku and Atitjere.
Mr Gunner’s support for the date comes after indigenous Alice Springs Town Coun- cillor Jacinta Price spoke out about her views on Australia Day for a second time.
“This time around, there has been incredible, positive support right around the country, from Aboriginal people, non-Aboriginal people and newcomers who have made this country their home,” she said. Around the country, a number of councils have opted to ignore the celebrations out of respect for indigenous Australians. In the NT, Darwin, Palmerston, Litchfield and Alice Springs councils have not cancelled any plans.
The date of the national holiday has become controversial in recent years, as it falls on the day the First Fleet landed on Australian soil and considered it terra nullius – “nobody’s land”.
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