Daniel Andrews government quietly halts Australia Day 2023 parade
“Change is hard, and change takes time.”
Stewart said Jan. 26 was an attempted genocide by British colonization and was a day to mourn Indigenous peoples who died in custody and during the border wars.
Marcus Stewart of the First People’s Assembly says the Australia Day parade was a “slap in the face” to Indigenous people.Credit:Justin McManus
“The parade [was] a slap in the face and rubbing salt in the wounds, so it’s a positive step that it’s not moving forward.”
The parade was canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19 and did not return in 2022, which incumbent Premier Jacinta Allan said was not due to the pandemic at the time. “It all has to do with how we, as a community, choose to celebrate the day differently,” Allan said last year.
Opposition leader John Pesutto said the cancellation was deeply disappointing.
“This is a popular family event that has brought both communities and people into our CBD — it should not be tossed aside without explanation,” Pesutto said.
“Daniel Andrews must explain to the Victorians why this important event will not take place.”
People take part in Melbourne’s Australia Day Parade in 2016.Credit:Luis Ascui
A Victorian Government spokeswoman said a number of events would be held to encourage “respectful reflection, togetherness and inclusion” and acknowledged that some people see January 26 as a day of mourning.
“We recognize our land’s traditional guardians and strive to celebrate our nation in a way that respects our indigenous people as part of our ongoing work of self-determination and treaty in Victoria,” the spokeswoman said.
The City of Melbourne has previously provided $100,000 a year in sponsorship for the government’s Australia Day events, including the parade.
However, the council supports the federal government changing the Australia Day date after a RedBridge poll of 1,600 residents and business owners found that 60 per cent of people in the local area supported such a move.
“It is clear that there is a majority in our community in favor of changing the date on which we celebrate our nation. Ultimately, however, it is the decision of the federal government,” said Mayor Sally Capp.
The council will continue to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26, although the Labor Party federal government has lifted a requirement that they be held on Australia Day.
with Ashleigh McMillan
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https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/andrews-government-quietly-shelves-australia-day-parade-20230121-p5cefj.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_national Daniel Andrews government quietly halts Australia Day 2023 parade
