The Captain Cook statue in Catani Gardens in St Kilda is seen vandalised on January 25 in Melbourne, Australia. Let's not knock this proposed light rail project: 50 years from now, when all major centres are connected by light rail including the international airport and the fast rail interstate network, the rest of Australia will look at us with envy. So, someone working a four-day week would be entitled to: 4 days x 5.6 weeks = 22.4 days. Four-fifths of the US population identify as Christians and a goodly number of those take as literal truth Adam and Eve and the creation stories and other biblical fables. Australia has the 12th highest cost of living in the world, with the US and the UK well behind it at 21st and 23rd, respectively. By presuming not only that all Canberrans work 9-5 but also that Canberra is a city where good civilians are expected to be docilely tucked up in bed by 11pm, you are both perpetuating the negative reputation of Canberra as an inaccessible and dry city, undeserving of the title of capital, and refusing to extend public transport courtesies to those outside of a very particular working class. One West Australian mayor said that telling new citizens what they could or couldnt wear to their ceremonies wasnt fair dinkum, and he wouldnt be enforcing dress codes. It is understandable for indigenous Australians to note January 26 as the start of a hostile occupation which led to massacres and cultural destruction. We need our non-Indigenous people to walk with us on this journey of healing and empowerment for our kids. . Your decision last year to cut back on route timetables, notably throwing out more than two hours of the Route 4 itinerary, from 11.10pm to the now feeble 9.05pm was, and still is, a total farce and you should be ashamed of your presumption. The gist of my letter (January9) calling for a re-think of public holidays was that replacing four mandated days off with five extra days of annual leave might just benefit everyone. Cons of living in Australia. 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'. Better sleep: Delayed start time could help teens sleep during their natural sleep/wake cycles. Referring to the cartoons published in Charlie Hebdo, Marguerite Castello asks how might we react to cartoons depicting Christians in a similarly offensive manner (CT, January 13). They treasure it and use the anniversary to mark it, as do their children. But changing the date of Australia Day is something we can do now. And that is where the wandering should end. I respect peoples right to mourn and even to claim that Australia Day celebrations are causing them grief, insult, and suffering. Let's get started. It's a reckoning other colonised countries are having, too. 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. Leave allowance is calculated simply by multiplying the number of days worked a week by 5.6. "When those 12 ships turned up in Sydney all those years ago, it wasn't a particularly flash day for the people on those vessels," he said. Australia Day can be a day of remembrance and reflection, as well as celebrations. Today, the amount of energy saved from DST is negligible. Are there bigger issues than changing the date? Donkey votes. In Voltaire's Candide two armies camp near each other before battle and both ask the same God for victory. In doing so, it ignores more than 60,000 years of pre-colonial history and 230 years of multicultural migration to Australia.. A German analysis of 44 studies on energy use and DST found a positive relationship between latitude and energy savings. Through his advocacy work, Mr Dawe wants to break the cycle of trauma which happens to Aboriginal children who are placed in out-of-home care. Australia Day remains unprotected, Liberal Party Senator Dean Smith wrote in The Australian on Thursday. Why some Australians want to move their controversial national day. Send to their inbox. 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. Compulsory voting may prevent extremism. Not until 1994 did they begin to celebrate Australia Day consistently . 2023 Cable News Network. Higher costs related to elections. History of Daylight Savings Time (DST). Calma believes the movement to change the date Is gaining momentum, adding: We see the big marches and the protests, and participating in events around Australia. There is an extra cost in building DST support into computer systems and keeping them maintained, as well as manually changing clocks. Easier to Transport 4. That way, DST may counteract the sedentary lifestyle of modern living. To make a satirical omelette you have to bruise some feelings. It might just be a commercial Australian Lambs annual advertisement ahead of Australia Day on January 26 but its struck a nerve with a lot of Australians this year. The dispossession of Australia's First Peoples began on this date in 1788 representing a day of mourning rather than celebration. January 26 is Australia Day our Australia Day. There's more to us than that, more that deserves to be celebrated. People walk past a statue of Captain James Cook stands in Sydney's Hyde Park on August 25, 2017, as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull labelled calls to change colonial-era monuments and the date of Australia Day, in attempts to better reflect the country's indigenous past, as a 'Stalinist' excercise in re-writing history. This is not a big pompous ceremony Whilst I am officiating Australia Day citizenship ceremonies, if you want to emblazon yourself in an Australian singlet or wear (swimmers) cause you are joining in the fun, I will let you up on stage and gladly welcome you as a new Australian, Greater Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn told the ABC. A small number of local councils have already tried moving the celebration which is also the date new citizens receive their Australian citizenship from January 26, out of respect for the wishes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They cannot to be excused or mitigated in any way on the grounds of religion, anyone's religion. By increasing the cultural awareness of everyone, more moments of common ground can be found. However, it has dangerous animals and is much further away for travel. The high rates of violence in the Aboriginal population, particularly against women, are well documented and widely known yet there is comparatively little outrage. The events of the past two weeks in France have, quite rightly, horrified and appalled. But I celebrate on January 26 with thousands of others for a quite different reason because Australia is a great country to live in. Besides, there are drawbacks to all the other contenders: too many people are the worse for wear on January 1, the anniversary of the foundation of the Commonwealth of Australia; and Anzac Day commemorates an unsuccessful military campaign (led, you guessed it, by the despised British). 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. 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. Premium subscribers also enjoy interactive puzzles and access to the digital version of our print edition - Today's Paper. (Through awareness and truth telling) about this day, believe we will all be able to find reconciliation here in Australia. To others, it can never be detached from the past, from an event that started systematic oppression of an ancient culture. Anthony Dillon receives funding from the Australian Research Council. The high living standard may be attributed to the low crime rate, high average wages, and excellent government systems. It is unfortunate that the defence of January 26 has included claims that the British arrival guaranteed the creation of a modern nation, and thus must be honoured. 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. Let's celebrate. There too, the debate has been playing out for decades, with the social dial slowly shifting. During this time, many Indigenous people were removed from their traditional lands, and stopped from practicing their language and culture., Another problem with holding our national day on January 26 is that it is a day that positions European settlement as the primary source of national identity and pride. Owning a pet comes with many financial responsibilities. January 26 represents where it all started to change for our people for the worst, the beginning of intergenerational pain and suffering for our people, says proud Butchulla and Gawara saltwater man, Isaiah Dawe. The not-for-profit supports Indigenous children who are placed into out-of-home care, an experience that is very personal for Mr Dawe, who himself entered care at just two months old. Though traditionally it had religious significance (and still does for some), for many people there is no religious meaning. Australia is no longer a country that acts as part of the British Empire. It is a day for national unity, and it is too easy to come up with reasons for division. 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. The Australian flag was chosen in 1901, when a competition was held to design our country's flag. Christianity's history of brutality, conducted in the name of a man of peace, is longer than and as nasty as Islam's but this is never mentioned. [ 1] [ 2] Why? According to the Australia Day website: "The tradition of having Australia Day as a national holiday on 26 January is a recent one. The most common application of year-round education uses the 45-15 plan. Australia Day is one of the few times of the year where we are forced to reflect on our nation's identity, and that's a tough conversation for a former penal colony with a bloody history. Dont make it that day Make it any other day when its not coinciding and were happy to celebrate as Australians, he told CNN. The average bus stop in Europe has a rubbish bin, and for good reason. 'An unthinkable tragedy': How did this train crash happen? It's not magically going to undo centuries of marginalisation and disadvantage. As a follower of his column years ago, I have thought of him often since hearing of his illness. Last time I went camping was at Wee Jasper. I have usually been told that even if I only wanted a new prescription, the practitioner would need to review my condition as well. Australia Day Date Change. 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. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. Mitigation of election restrictions. The Argument: Australia should have a Bill or Charter of Rights. Here is my request to ACTION. It does not have to be one or the other we can reflect on the past, with particular attention given to the injustices endured by Aboriginal people since the invasion, and celebrate what a great country Australia is today. Which way do the clocks go? Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Our human rights are also . It feels, as Woolwonga/Gurindji woman Susan Moylan-Coombs says, "like pressing on a bruise". I find that Canberra is generally a well- built and well-organised city, but there are things I do not understand. This makes less sense close to the equator, where the amount of daylight does not vary much in a year, or near the poles, where the difference between winter and summer daylight hours is very large. Around this time every year, as the end of January fast approaches, the conversation around the legitimacy of celebrating Australia Day on January 26 amps up. Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University. To argue that Australia Day should be on January 26 because of a richly embraced tradition is a hard sell, too. In an effort to attract and retain workers, many businesses are considering making changes to the standard workweek and moving to a 4-day . ", Or as one Torres Strait Islander elder said: "I don't need one day to celebrate, I am always celebrating my culture and customs, I celebrate being the First Australian every day.". Catch up on other pieces in the series here. . Consequences of success. 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. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activist Calma said he felt the conservative Morrison government was rushing to make changes to Australia Day before it likely loses power at a national election due to take place before May. Australia was completely unprepared. Lisa Wilkinsons defence in her defamation case states she is not a lawyer and understood Tens colleagues had fact-checked Brittany Higgins allegations. Arthur Phillip arrived at Sydney Cove and raised the national flag of the United Kingdom on January 26, 1788. Economy, education, and health are all at a high level. Australia Day: Why we need to change the date There are many things we want to celebrate about Australia, but 26 January doesn't represent an inclusive day for everyone. It introduced violent summary justice, official corruption, social neglect, alcohol poisoning, and military rule. Watch: What January 26 means to different Australians. We must not any longer shut our eyes to the consequences of our being on earth. A five-day week entitles 28 days' annual leave a year. Weve changed the date before in fact, January 26 has only been a national public holiday since 1994 and must do so again if we want to achieve a national day that unifies all Australians. The list could go on, but no degree of offence to one's religious beliefs justifies slaughtering anyone not the cartoonists, not police providing protection, and not people shopping in a supermarket. 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. Services Australia can pay these 28 days over . The latest report from Reconciliation Australia shows that 90 per cent of Australians want to learn about past issues, and that 89 per cent support a formal truth-telling process. (Australia day) to change it to First Fleet Day instead. Power Stations Require Lots of Reserves of Coal 3. For most people, the resulting tiredness is simply an inconvenience. Many countries are moving towards a cashless society, in which all financial transactions are electronic. Two weeks before Australia Day 2019, Prime Minister Morrison announced potential measures which would ban councils from holding citizenship ceremonies on any day other than January 26. "Spring forward or fall back" is just one way to remember which way set the clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST). Why was Daylight Savings Time created, who invented it, and what is the point of having a time change every year? Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison watches day seven of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20. Did you encounter any technical issues? This is the best country in the world no doubt, but I cant separate January 26 from the fact that my brothers are more likely to go to jail than they are to go to school, or that my little sisters and my mum are more likely to be beaten and raped than anyone elses sisters and mum, she said on morning TV. Why the Flag Should Change. The guidelines of this competition included that the Union Jack and Southern Cross should appear on the flag. In addition to the problem of violence there is poor health, community dysfunction, unemployment, child neglect, and poor school attendance. When the bus comes, they don't take the rubbish with them. So, should we buckle up for another three decades of wearying debate? The prime, simple reason for Australia Day staying put is that most Australians want it that way so they can salute their nation. But the conservative Liberal National Coalition government has criticized any suggestion of a potential change of date, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. However, I believe that in the year 2001, the Australian flag needs to be changed. 70% support for keeping Australia Day on January 26. When students are too tired or mentally exhausted to concentrate, the last hour of the day becomes useless. But any other day of the year Ill tie an Australian flag around my neck and Ill run through the streets.. Changing sleep patterns, even by one hour, goes against a person's natural circadian rhythms and has negative consequences for health. But changing the date is not the answer. Register, Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout. We care about the protection of your data. And for those whose history is being denied, this isn't a war of words, but an exhausting yearly exercise in defending the pain of their existence. We should acknowledge this and celebrate what a great country Australia is and work together to make it even better. As a self-proclaimed realist, federal opposition spokeswoman for Human Services Linda Burney, doesnt believe Australia Day will be changed from January 26. Cook is often credited as the first European to discover Australia. Certainly the sustained British presence on this continent eventually produced the liberal democracy, private enterprise priority, independent judicial system we now prize. As the children of the digital age grow up, and take public office, run corporations and make decisions for our country, maybe the pendulum of this debate will start to swing. The controversy has led to a growing push to change the date of the countrys national celebration to another day without the historical baggage. The most recent statistics reveal that the extension of DST saved . 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. 'How can changing the date be about 'unity' when it's catering to one part of the community?' We've changed the date before - in fact, January 26 has only been a national public holiday since 1994 - and must do so again if we want to achieve a national day that unifies all Australians.. References to Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Australians were once 'them' in their reactions to satirical attacks on what were then considered to be sacred cows. It is hard to determine the economic cost of the collective tiredness caused by DST, but studies have found a decrease in productivity after the spring transition. 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