Former Police Officer Says Jan. 26 Not a Day of ‘Invasion’: Calls for Better Education

First responder says Jan. 26 holds special meaning for returned servicemen.

A big crowd of patriotic Australians gathered in Port Melbourne, Australia on Jan. 26, 2025 to celebrate the country's national day. (Josh Spasaro/The Epoch Times).

When federal Parliament passed the Nationality and Citizenship Act on Jan. 26, 1949, it marked the beginnings of Australia Day.

It was the Act that created Australian citizenship and the rules for gaining it, where all residents born in Australia became citizens. They also kept their status as British subjects.