A motion proposes bringing back official January 26 events from 2027, potentially reversing the council’s position adopted in 2022.
By the online editorial team
The City of Melbourne is preparing to revisit its position on Australia Day, with councillors set to vote on a proposal to restore official recognition and support for January 26 celebrations.
Councillor Philip Le Liu’s motion, scheduled for the September 29 council meeting, calls for the date to be recognised as Australia’s national day, in line with state and federal government policy.
If passed, it would reverse the approach adopted in 2022, when the council stopped its traditional recognition of the occasion and supported calls for the federal government to change the date.
Le Liu argues that renewed celebrations would encourage community participation, civic pride and social cohesion.
His motion acknowledges the different views held across the community and the significance of January 26 for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It also states that any decision to change Australia’s national day rests with the Australian government, rather than local councils.
Approval would prompt the council to identify funding for activities, promotion and community celebrations for Australia Day 2027. A parade could also return, although no such event has been confirmed.
The council’s 2022 position followed a survey of approximately 1,600 residents, in which 60 per cent of respondents supported changing the date. At the time, the council argued that Australia Day should fall on a date everyone could celebrate.
The debate reflects differing experiences of January 26. For many Australians, it is an occasion to celebrate national identity and community. For many First Nations people, it marks the beginning of British colonisation and its lasting consequences.
The council’s previous decision did not remove the national public holiday. Citizenship ceremonies continued to take place on January 26 within the municipality, while Indigenous cultural performances were also held instead of traditional Australia Day festivities.
Current Lord Mayor Nick Reece was deputy mayor when the council adopted its position under former lord mayor Sally Capp.
The City of Melbourne has said it does not yet have an official position on Le Liu’s new motion.
The discussion comes as other Victorian councils have reconsidered earlier decisions concerning January 26.
For Melbourne, the vote will determine the council’s approach to recognising the occasion and supporting local events. The restoration of official celebrations remains a proposal, with councillors yet to decide whether to change course.
