Victorian Greens Leader and MP for Melbourne Ellen Sandell has slammed the City of Melbourne's decision to recognise January 26 as Australia's national day, end its advocacy to change the date and put the potential return of the Australia Day parade back on the agenda.
The decision reverses the position Council adopted following extensive community consultation in 2022, which found 60% of residents and 60% of business owners supported changing the date. All five Traditional Owner representative organisations from the Eastern Kulin nations consulted by Council also supported changing the date, and this new decision deeply disrespects their engagement and views.
The decision comes at a critical moment for First Nations justice in Victoria, with Treaty increasingly under attack and One Nation aggressively campaigning against measures aimed at justice for First Nations people.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece voted for the motion as did the right-wing majority at the Council. Greens councillor Dr Olivia Ball opposed the motion.
As stated by Victorian Greens Leader and Member for Melbourne, Ellen Sandell MP:
"At a time when the Victorian Treaty is at risk, we need leaders who will stand up for First Nations justice, not capitulate to One Nation's divisive and racist rhetoric. Last night it was extremely disappointing to see Lord Mayor Nick Reece and the right-wing majority at City of Melbourne Council vote to put a 26 January Australia Day parade back on the agenda - inflaming even more division and hurt.
"This decision is completely out of touch with our Melbourne community. Sixty percent of residents, 60 percent of businesses and every Traditional Owner organisation consulted by Council supported changing the date.
"When One Nation is trying to drag us backwards, political leaders should stand up to racism and division - not surrender to it.
"January 26 is a day of mourning for First Nations communities. No amount of parades or celebrations can change that.
"If we want a national day that genuinely brings people together, we need to change the date."
As stated by Greens councillor on Melbourne City Council, Dr Olivia Ball:
"I am deeply disappointed that this motion succeeded. First Nations people have been clear, and Council's own consultation showed a clear majority of residents and businesses want the date changed. We should be listening to them, not walking away from them."
