Aussies reject change of date

AUSTRALIANS have overwhelmingly rejected the radical Greens push to move their national day from January 26.

The exclusive polling data commissioned by the Institute of Public Affairs showed that 75 per cent of people want politicians to stop politicising Australia Day and instead supported leaving it on January 26.

The poll also showed that support was actually growing for Australia Day to remain unchanged despite an onslaught of attacks from rogue councils and The Greens who want to change the date in the name of “inclusivity”.

The youngest respondents were the most likely to call for a date change but even among the 18 to 24 cohort, a majority 55 per cent backed Australia Day’s current date.

“Mainstream Australians are fundamentally optimistic and positive about Australia and its values,” said Dr Bella d’Abrera, director of the Foundations of Western Civilisation Program at the IPA.

The polling also finds that of those surveyed:

• 87 per cent were proud to be an Australian.

• 76 per cent believe Australia has a history to be proud of.

• 92 per cent said freedom of speech is an important Australian value and 77 per cent said freedom of religion was an important Australian value.

“These results demonstrate that freedom of speech and freedom of religion are important values for mainstream Australians. They are not the fringe issues as often portrayed by the political class.

“Only 8 per cent of young people between the ages of 18-24 say Australia Day should not be celebrated on 26 January. Which proves that despite the media and political left narrative, young people are not drawn to the divisive argument of opposing our national day.

“26 January marks the

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT DRAWN TO THE DIVISIVE ARGUMENT OF OPPOSING OUR NATIONAL DAY

DR BELLA D’ABRERA

foundation of modern Australia and it should to be celebrated by all Australians. Rather than being ashamed of it, we should be proud of it,” said Dr d’Abrera.

Meanwhile, Graeme Hanger, the mayor of Australia’s oldest inland city council has come under fire over his decision to move the council’s citizenship ceremony from Australia Day for the first time because of the “extreme heat”.

Bathurst Regional Council will hold its citizenship and awards ceremony next week on the evening of January 25.

Deputy Mayor Bobby Bourke slammed the decision saying there had been “zero” community consultation.