Am I the only one who believes our politicians now see, us the electorate, as the enemy? It introduced violent summary justice, official corruption, social neglect, alcohol poisoning, and military rule. It had not maintained substantial armed forces during the years of peace. Lets celebrate together, allowing others the freedom to express what it means to them. The ongoing impact can be seen in disturbing rates of Indigenous incarceration and the growing overrepresentation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care, to give just two of many examples. This is not the same as Australia. Young bright and full of hope is what we all. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. On January 17, after the latest clashes over the date had begun, an impassioned appeal by television host Brooke Boney went viral across the country. According to the 2020 Family Matters report published in November last year, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children represent just six per cent of the total population of Australias children, they also make up 37 per cent of all children who have been removed from their parents. Their strategy is to engineer and profit from hostility between Muslims and non-Muslims and between different sects of Islam. Current local times around the world, including (DST) changes. All the pros and cons of climate change now, you can decide! Cook is often credited as the first European to discover Australia. The dispossession of Australia's First Peoples began on this date in 1788 representing a day of mourning rather than celebration. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people see the date as the beginning of the deliberate destruction of their people and culture as colonists took lands they deemed uninhabited despite large indigenous populations living there. This Wednesday marks the 234th anniversary of the First Fleet sailing into Sydney Cove in 1788, after Captain James Cook claiming the land for the British Crown. Im not just going to not change it, Im going to ensure it doesnt get eroded Thats our historical day and we need to work together, to come together on that day to ensure that we can make it an important day for all Australians, Morrison said earlier this month. Discovery Company. I hope you are ashamed to have been part of such a regressive and pointless gesture. So while we're inevitably going to be caught in this change the date, abolish the date, or keep the date debate for a number of years yet, maybe the American record shows us where we are headed and it'll be the younger generations taking us there. Let's celebrate. They brought the worst elements of an empire from tyranny to syphilis with no thoughts of creating a shining, democratic outpost. Australia Day has wandered around the calendar and it was only the 1988 Bicentenary which pinned it down through the work of the Australia Day Council. Why do many countries set the clocks back and forth an hour twice a year? For us, thats a real true sign of reconciliation.. There is an extra cost in building DST support into computer systems and keeping them maintained, as well as manually changing clocks. Published History of Daylight Savings Time (DST). The controversy has led to a growing push to change the date of the countrys national celebration to another day without the historical baggage. If offended, there are a range of peaceful options, such as: a letter of complaint to the editor; never purchasing the publication again; a public demonstration in a nearby park; a boycott of companies advertising in the publication. As the first Aboriginal person to be elected to the NSW parliament and the first Aboriginal woman to serve in the Australian House of Representatives, Ms Burney says she sees the importance of having a national day, however it needs to be one all people can truly celebrate. The latest version of the British flag dates from 1801, that of Canada 1965, South Africa 1994, France 1848, Israel 1948, Japan 1854, Spain 1936 and USA 1960. Recent moves to promote changing the date of our national day are informed by the fact that many Australians - both Indigenous and non-Indigenous - feel they cannot celebrate on January 26, because that date marks the commencement of a long history of dispossession and trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Australia Day is held on the same date Britains First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbor in 1788, beginning the European colonization which led to the modern nation of Australia. Given a significant number of people see only a day off rather than a national day, the figures are significant. K-12. But I can't separate the 26th of January from the fact that my brothers are more likely to go to jail than they are to go to school" says @BoneyBrooke, a proud Gamilaroi woman. Even worse: it is the source of many further problems. I've written about that date before, its origins and forgotten stories and recent almost-comical attempts to protect a public holiday. To some, January 26 is a modern tradition worth protecting, a celebration of what Australia looks like today. In this article the truth is January 26 should be first fleet day, not Australia day by Smith in the. Not until 1994 did they begin to celebrate Australia Day consistently . They treasure it and use the anniversary to mark it, as do their children. Such gullibility would be funny were it not so ominous in this powerful and warlike nation. A four day work week isn't a compressed work schedule, but rather reduced hours. But does she really think for one minute that this would be the nation it is today had it not been for the arrival of the First Fleet and the subsequent development of this land as a great democracy in the British tradition? Far from playing into the hands of the terrorists by irresponsibly encouraging fear of Islam, the media and other commentators should follow Tony Abbott's example in this. / AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images), MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26 : Australian Actress Shareena Clanton (2nd R) raises her hand, during a protest organized by Aboriginal rights activists on Australia Day in Melbourne, Australia on January 26, 2017. I choose not to repeat myself, because the date will change. (Photo by Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images), British explorer James Cook in Melbourne was vandalized, 56% didnt care when the national day was held. I dont want Australia Day undermined in the future and just see it sort of fade away, Morrison said. Ms Gaia writes of her love of her adopted land and recognises the security and benefits Australian citizenship has given her. There's more to us than that, more that deserves to be celebrated. Mr Dawe also acknowledges the hope and optimism in his work and is encouraged by the swathes of non-Indigenous people who attend Invasion Day rallies across Australia. Anthony Dillon receives funding from the Australian Research Council. The issue of modifying school calendars causes tremendous division between those who feel that the traditional school calendar allows children to enjoy a long summer break and those who feel a more balanced, year-round schedule would allow for more restful breaks throughout the year. Which way do the clocks go? More from Letters to the Editor Barnaby is both out of touch and running out of time A new social media site has enabled industry-first technology that makes content impossible for creeps to screenshot and screen record. log in. That was not the . Almost 100 suburbs and each with a soul! However, if previous years are anything to go by, that day, whether you call it Australia Day, Survival Day, Invasion Day, or whatever, is likely to be the source of some debate. If we look at what appears to be an emerging generational divide, the conversation may eventually change and with it the way we mark the day. The 28-year-old is the CEO and founder of Aboriginal-led mentoring program ID Know Yourself. 1. We could all make a list of the things that should be better: trust in politicians, economic competitiveness, standards in schools, safety on our streets (especially in Melbourne), congested roads and inefficient public transport, and yes the well-being of the First Australians, but is anything to be gained by this annual cycle of agonizing over the date of our national day? For those objecting to Australia Day celebrations, I encourage you to consider the aforementioned problems and ask yourself: How will changing the name or the date help those who are suffering most?. As a follower of his column years ago, I have thought of him often since hearing of his illness. A similar poll from the ANU's Social Research Centre (SRC) in 2019 also found about 70 per cent of people supported the January 26 holiday. Why the Flag Should Change. All times AEDT (GMT +11). Answer (1 of 25): The basic reason why we should change the Australian Flag is that the flag no longer represents what Australia is and what Australia wants to be. Certainly the sustained British presence on this continent eventually produced the liberal democracy, private enterprise priority, independent judicial system we now prize. Australians have said to us - their delegates at his Convention - symbols are important and it is time that we had a symbol at the head of our system of government which is relevant to us - a Head of State who is one of us. While former prime minister Kevin Rudd made a formal public apology to the victims of forced child removal in 2008, the practice still occurs. "This is the best country in the world no doubt. Australian Catholic University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. Australians can find their human rights that are protected in the Constitution, in common law, anti-discrimination laws and other State and Federal legislation. On the 26th of January 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove, beginning the long destruction of Indigenous people and their culture. This means that expats will need a good salary to cover the cost of accommodation. We shouldnt invest too much glory in the First Fleets intentions and what it delivered. There's a lot of polling done on attitudes towards Australia Day, and the results vary depending on whose views are being canvassed. For many, the answer is no. People at bus stops smoke, they eat candy bars, they drink coffee or soft drinks, in short: they do things that generate rubbish. They treasure it and use the anniversary to mark it, as do their children. Personally, if I want all mod cons I stay at home. But when you look at how young people are responding, there's a clear generational divide. While I see Australia Day as a day of celebration, it is also perfectly legitimate for people to take time to reflect on past injustices associated with the invasion. It appeals to the party base and doesnt require any substantial counter policy. A German analysis of 44 studies on energy use and DST found a positive relationship between latitude and energy savings. Pros: great fresh food; relaxed lifestyle; climates to suit your preference depending on where you live; decent standard of living for almost anyone with a job when compared to say the US. It feels, as Woolwonga/Gurindji woman Susan Moylan-Coombs says, "like pressing on a bruise". The number was somewhat higher for adults with high-risk conditions (60%) and people 65 and older (68%). We can celebrate the achievements of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters, and the successes achieved together. In doing so, he founded the colony of New South Wales and, at the same time, commenced the dispossession and marginalization of Indigenous people. It's not magically going to undo centuries of marginalisation and disadvantage. In addition to the problem of violence there is poor health, community dysfunction, unemployment, child neglect, and poor school attendance. "Spring forward or fall back" is just one way to remember which way set the clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST). Then, by all means crack down on rorts related to social security but to be fair let's also crack down on rorts enjoyed by high-income earners superannuation, negative gearing and trusts all come to mind. This was in spite of the fact that its estimated more than 500 First Nations groups had already inhabited the continent, with the total believed to be about 750,000 people. 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In this sense, the inability to acknowledge the divisive date of January 26 is proof of that disconnect between Indigenous and some non-Indigenous Australians. In Voltaire's Candide two armies camp near each other before battle and both ask the same God for victory. Our program is addressing the disproportionate rates of aboriginal kids being removed from their parents, families and culture.. The major religions have always treated human time on Earth as a mere preparation for later when, in reality, it is highly likely that this is all there is just as for the ants and we should think and act accordingly. The Australian community has charged us with progressing the issue. While money goes much further here than in larger Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, it's by no means a cheap place to live. Donkey votes. If you just have a look its not Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only, its also the majority are Australians. A protester waves a flag during an "Invasion Day" rally on Australia Day in Melbourne on January 26, 2018. If we 'move forward' without acknowledging that legacy, we'd only continue to leave some people behind. If the Australian Republic Movement has its way, they want the parliaments at different levels to nominate the most eligible and capable Australians. . The kids are being taken away not only from their family but their identity and knowing where they come from, says Mr Dawe. Voting in federal elections and referendums is compulsory for every Australian aged 18 and over. . But changing the date of Australia Day is something we can do now. This is a day most Aussies look forward to: a day off work with friends and family, food, fun, and laughter. More importantly, the reaction (in France, Europe and elsewhere) to the massacres in Paris have proved beyond doubt the resilience and determination of the majority of ordinary citizens not to allow terror to rule the world. You may see it as tokenism, but to many, it's a signal of that understanding, of a willingness to move forward together as a unified country. I am not sure if treason is still a crime on the statute books. Australia's Constitution as it stands protects only a limited number of rights. True. "Australia Day" is named by some as "Invasion Day" due to the dispossession of Indigenous land and the arrival of the First Fleet's at Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia in 1788. Australia, weve always believed in a fair go. Many Australians refer to January 26 as "Invasion Day." The controversy has led to a growing push to change the date of the country's national celebration to another day without the. It reminds me of the pain my own people have had to endure, what all my family, community and generations before me have had to go through since that day, he tells news.com.au. Change Management Pros and Cons. Warning: This article contains images of Indigenous people who have died. Safety is one of the more solid arguments for keeping the lighter evenings of DST. Charlie Hebdo is a wrecking ball, in this respect, rather than a builder. JANUARY 26 should continue to be kept as our national day but not because those First Fleet ships landed essential cultural cargo. Pros and Cons of Living in Australia vs. UK. During World War I (1914 to 1918), Australians had been divided over the question of . Though traditionally it had religious significance (and still does for some), for many people there is no religious meaning. One can only hope that the practical application of this will be demonstrated by the French government revoking the current law banning of headscarves and female Muslim dress in public places thereby returning to Muslim women the liberty and equality to choose how they dress in accordance with their beliefs and preferences. The singer couldnt resist breaking into laughter after two Aussie fans roped him into an elaborate tale with a NSFW punchline. There is no excuse for the attack on Charlie Hedbo. While many Australians see it as a chance to celebrate the countrys lifestyle, culture and achievements, typically through barbeques and public events, the date is not a happy one for Australias Indigenous people. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. References to Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Pros Australia Day has no long standing history, so there should be less resistance to change. As a foreigner, you should not attempt an Australian accent, nor should you say "G'day" or "G'day, mate." This could sound condescending and like mockery. Australia has its downsides, too, and more than just some truly terrifying wildlife. 3. A man thought he was in trouble with the RSPCA, but an animal cruelty report turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. According to the Australia Day website: "The tradition of having Australia Day as a national holiday on 26 January is a recent one. And far from everyone wants to. Brendan O'Loughlin of Cook (Letters, January 13) might use one of his proposed extra four public holidays to work on his reading and comprehension skills. The average bus stop in Europe has a rubbish bin, and for good reason. Studies link the lack of sleep at the start of DST to, The early evening darkness after the end of the DST period is linked to, Studies have found that DST contributes to, The City of New York invested 1.5 million US dollars in a. During Daylight Saving Time the correct time zone is British Summer Time (BST). As such, the City of Fremantle, while not opposing Australia Day celebrations, is having a culturally inclusive alternative event two days later. To take the headache out of calculating holiday, we've created our very own easy-to-use Holiday Calculator . People are becoming more aware towards the day, he says. Those opposed to Australia Day, mainly for the date on which is celebrated, do so because of the historical significance the British invasion and the destruction it brought. Similar numbers are expected to march this year, according to local media. However, I believe that in the year 2001, the Australian flag needs to be changed. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Celebrating on a particular day does not have to be tied to historical events, even if its origins are rooted in those events. It feels like a moment to pause and acknowledge what we have. 'An unthinkable tragedy': How did this train crash happen? Bruce Woodley's Iconic Song 'I Am Australian' Consequences of success. Polling has given conflicting results on how Australians actually feel about Australia Day. How proposing an extra day off and more choice makes anyone a "holiday-hating curmudgeon" escapes me. Surely Westfield Retail could display some moral fibre by granting shop owners rent relief from the colossal sums it saves from avoiding Australian tax, as identified by the international Tax Justice Network and Uniting Church research (12 January)? January 26 is not a day for celebration - that's why news.com.au is campaigning to change the date of Australia Day, so we can celebrate the best country in the world, without leaving anyone behind. Every year Australia Day, held on January 26, is the focus of huge controversy and debate. The day before Australia celebrated its national day Friday, a statue of British explorer James Cook in Melbourne was vandalized, covered with pink paint and the words No pride.. Privacy & Terms, Circadian Rhythm: Your Bodys Master Clock. The shift from highly institutionalised (ie imposed) values to a society with more individual (ie personally thought to be rational) assessments or judgements is probably what we think distinguishes 'us' from 'them'. 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