Feds warn on Oz Day snubs

THE Federal Government has threatened to strip several NSW councils of the right to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies amid plans to hold them a day earlier.

Hawkesbury City, Kempsey and Bellingen shire councils plan ceremonies on the evening of January 25, reportedly to avoid the daytime heat.

However Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton suggested the move was political.

“I don’t care whether people are seeking to move it in an obvious way or playing games – the intent is very clear,” he said. “Australians don’t want councils playing politics with these issues.”