Lib open to date change

LIBERAL frontbencher Alex Hawke is open to changing Australia Day’s date if a majority support the shift, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison moved to cement January 26.

Special minister of state Mr Hawke said he would advocate against changing the date if it was put to a public test.

“Of course if the overwhelming majority of the Australian public take a view that it should be a different day that’s what will happen,” Mr Hawke told the ABC yesterday.

“But this government supports it staying on January 26 and we think it’s in step with the majority of public opinion.”