Australia Day should be time for reflection

RE: THE Australia Day debate, as we contemplate whether British colonisation of Australia was a “good thing”, let us also give some thought as to what if the Portuguese ( 16th century) or the Dutch ( 17th century) or the French ( 18th century) had made the move first.

What difference would it have made for the Aboriginal people and the future of this land?

We can look at the colonising efforts of these nations in other parts of the world to get an idea. One thing, however, is clear; the Aborigines would not have been left alone in this vast land for long.

Some other nation would have soon raised its flag.

King George III gave instructions that Captain James Cook should raise the flag and take possession of any portion of land only with the permission of the indigenous people.

The early Dutch explorers paid the same respect to the indigenous people of America. It is a great pity that some later settlers and authorities in these countries did not always follow the tradition.

I believe Australia Day should be left where it is but be made a day of reflection; reflection on the good that has resulted from British settlement as well as on the mistakes made and wrongs done.

One of the “good things” I believe is the Westminster system of government which other colonisers might not have been able to match and, in law, an accused Australian citizen is considered innocent until proved guilty. CECILY MACALPINE,

Magnetic Island.