January 26th 2025

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Lydia Thorpe wants a treaty similar to the one New Zealand, Canada, and the US have with their indigenous people. Australia's one of the only settler-colonial nations that does not have a recognised treaty with their indigenous people. The US constitution even recognises tribal sovereignty, meaning they have to an extent the same powers as federal and state governments to govern their own affairs (with the exception of what is mentioned in the constitution). Yeah, the US has used it to against them in the past, so it's not always a straightforward thing. However, it's a lot more than what the indigenous people have in Australia.

Not saying I always agree with Lydia btw, but the reality is that White Australia has never directly entered into a peace agreement with the First Nations people. For thousands of years, treaties are the way groups have shown willingness to coexist peacefully, so all that's left is that White Australia is still overpowering and controlling First Nations people until today.

After all that history of violence and not entering into a peace treaty after it, white Australians (as a collective) still refuse to change Australia Day to a day less traumatic for First Nations people. We even have Peter Dutton who wants to lock in January 26 as Australia Day, You know, the Australia Day that celebrates the establishment of the first British colony and the hoisting of the British flag. He also expressed that he will not stand in front of the Aboriginal flag either.

All this put together doesn't signify unification between White Australia and First Nations people. Perhaps white Australians cannot see it, but as a non-white Australian, this hostility is palpable. And then the lopsided dismissal of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. All up, it doesn't look like White Australia is interested in establishing peace between itself and the First Nations people. It just looks like they want to control, and the growing resentment here towards First Nations people not wanting Australia Day on January 26 just clarifies this more.
The responses in this thread validate your thoughts but a treaty is not the answer. The answer is compassion. We need to empower indigenous people to take greater responsibility for issues affecting their people but it doesn't require separate legal status to achieve this.
 

We’ve come a long way…seriously, if the day were that important we’d be doing a better job of it than this. It’s absolutely cringe worthy and embarrassing.

Have a close look at the image quality and the fashion sense in a lot of those pictures. I’d estimate most of them were taken 2010-2015. A lot of the fashion looks 2000s more than 2020s, and even in the file name of one of the photos reveals it was taken in 2011 rather than in recent years as the article tries to imply.
 

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Change of date won't solve a thing. The haters and the vandals will still carry on.

The majority of indigenous people rallying today will be peaceful and respectful,

You could also say there’ll be a lot of nationalist bogans decked out in flag gear getting pissed beyond belief and starting fights today. Therefore the pissheads and violent drunks will still exist regardless of the day.
 
Happy Republic Day to all the bigfooty posters from India

Also happy Duarte Day in the Dominican Republic, Liberation Day in Uganda, feast day of the Blessed Gabrielle and my favourite - Engineer’s Day in Panama.

Why don’t we have a public holiday dedicated the the emergency service workers and volunteers, the biggest heroes in this country, who keep us safe and alive?

Makes more sense than a day dedicated to British bread stealers
 
in a free democratic country you still can. Don’t be an alarmist. Happy Australia Day

Except some Liberals have proposed a “trump style anti Australia tax” for those who don’t “celebrate” Australia Day.

The herald sun was following up on Australian Venues Co pubs to check if they are being sufficiently “patriotic” on the day.

Also when was “Happy Australia Day” a thing? Never heard it said by randoms on the street, not at least as much as Merry Xmas.
 
Wouldn't work. One because there has already been much discussion about alternate dates and nothing is really feasible.
What? I don’t agree with that. The only one people have said is not feasible is New Year’s Day that I have seen
 

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Except some Liberals have proposed a “trump style anti Australia tax” for those who don’t “celebrate” Australia Day.

The herald sun was following up on Australian Venues Co pubs to check if they are being sufficiently “patriotic” on the day.

Also when was “Happy Australia Day” a thing? Never heard it said by randoms on the street, not at least as much as Merry Xmas.
Seriously mate let it go. I’m celebrating Australia Day with a group of us having a barbie at a Mates place over a couple of beers. You’ve debated every point in this thread. Love your passion. I don’t and won’t feel any guilt what so ever doing so. Have a great day champ or miserable day whatever floats your boat.
 
Seriously mate let it go. I’m celebrating Australia Day with a group of us having a barbie at a Mates place over a couple of beers. You’ve debated every point in this thread. I think it’s time you give it a rest and go and lay down. I don’t and won’t feel any guilt what so ever doing so. Have a great day champ or miserable day whatever floats your boat.

Enjoying being part of a fringe minority then!

Having gone past a few AVC venues it appears its business as usual

Yeah just had a gander at the Main Street of my suburb, including the pubs/restaurants /cafes and it appears to be a typical Sunday, so pretty quiet. Zero Australian-ness
 
Enjoying being part of a fringe minority then!



Yeah just had a gander at the Main Street of my suburb, including the pubs/restaurants /cafes and it appears to be a typical Sunday, so pretty quiet. Zero Australian-ness
If you believe that those of us celebrating Australia Day is the fringe minority you need to get out more.
I live on the coast. Go for a drive to every beach, picnic area, lake, river, stream. People everywhere enjoying the freedoms that this country provides. If you want to live in a dark room sipping soy lattes go for it
 
Seriously mate let it go. I’m celebrating Australia Day with a group of us having a barbie at a Mates place over a couple of beers. You’ve debated every point in this thread. Love your passion. I don’t and won’t feel any guilt what so ever doing so. Have a great day champ or miserable day whatever floats your boat.
I'm gonna take the kids for a ride this morning, then we will be having a family bbq tonight. Similarly, absolutely no guilt!

Enjoy the day off everyone, regardless of your persuasions!
 
That’s my point.

Your point has been made across several threads that Australia is currently not a totally independent country from Britain. I disagree with that for reasons which I have explained in detail. There were very good reasons - in 1914 - for Australia to become involved in World War I and also to attack Gallipoli. Australia's geo-political situation in 2025 is very different to that 111 years ago in 1914.

All symbolism is weighted to the British Empire not an Australian culture. India was under British empire rule at that time too but managed to develop their own national day and Flag.

Australia has strong - if weakening - historical and cultural ties with Britain, including our political and legal system. (Westminster system and common law)

There’s our national/official language, not to mention much of our culture, including religious practices (mainly Christianity) which influences the timing and nature of Australian holidays, social services, and educational institutions.

There are heavy British influences in art, music and literature. Many of the sports that are popular in Australia are British in origin including the origins of modern sports such as cricket, golf, tennis (as opposed to 'Real Tennis'), squash, boxing, badminton, snooker and billiards and rugby union/league.

For the above reasons, I personally don't see a problem with the Union Jack in the corner of our flag, but likewise I'm not fussed if it is changed, as Canada changed theirs.
 

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January 26th 2025

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