Top Diplomat Criticised for Cancelled Australia Day Function in London

‘You can’t have a high commissioner who says we’re going to cancel the Australia Day celebration because he doesn’t believe in Australia Day,’ said Mr. Dutton.

Australia's High Commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith, speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 3, 2022. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

A top Australian diplomat has drawn fierce criticism for cancelling an Australia Day event due to supposed “sensitivities” around the national celebration.

The Australia Day Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation and the organiser of the annual Australia Day gala dinner, decided not to hold the event in January 2024 in response to instruction from Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith.