Australia’s Opposition Pledges to Take Back Control of National Day Celebrations

“Labor is undermining the significance of Australia Day and is laying the groundwork to abolish January 26 as Australia Day,” MP Dan Tehan said.

Melbournians enjoy the Australia Day Parade in Swanston St Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 26, 2017. Chris Hopkins/Getty Images

The Liberal Party has pledged to “protect Australia Day” by setting new rules for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Jan. 26 if it gains power at the next election.

Over 80 councils across Australia have decided to abolish citizenship ceremonies on Jan. 26, after the Albanese government scrapped the former Morrison government’s rule in December 2022 that forced councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.