FEDERAL MP Scott Buchholz has set up an online petition and has urged Scenic Rim residents to jump on board to keep Australia Day on January 26..
“Australia Day is being threatened by the Greens, activists, elites and many members of the Labor party who want to change the date,” Mr Buchholz said.
“I say – hands off Australia Day. The feedback I get from local residents is that they overwhelmingly support Australia Day and now we have two national polls reflecting that high level of support.”
This comes after a campaign to change the date of Australia Day gained support with three local government councils opting to move celebration events and citizenship ceremonies to a different day out of respect for Indigenous Australians.
The move prompted changes to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code that would effectively force councils to hold ceremonies on January 26 as well as September 17 - Australian Citizenship Day.
Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale said any local council punished for refusing to host citizenship ceremonies on January 26 could count on a Greens MP or senator in their state or territory to conduct them in their stead.
“Scott Morrison is playing a predictable political game trying to punish councils for reflecting the will of their constituents and standing up for justice for First Nations Peoples,” Dr Di Natale said.
“The movement to change the date is an important step along the road to treaty, sovereignty and justice for our First Nations Peoples and we hope Labor will join us on that journey.”
Local Mununjali woman Stephanie Aberdein said she would not like it if the day was changed because the debate was divisive.
“We’re all Aussies anyway, so why does it matter?” she said.
“I just don’t think it’s important.”
Mr Buchholz said Australia Day marked the birth of modern Australia and was a day of national unity for everyone – from first Australians to the newest arrivals. “We live in the greatest country in the world and we enjoy traditions and cultures from around the globe and we respect and celebrate indigenous culture. It’s part of what makes our nation great,”
“Australia Day has been celebrated for over two centuries now and I don’t think it needs to change because of a politically correct campaign by those who think they know better than the majority,” he said.
“I want to continue to make that clear to the Greens and activists who want to force their point of view on the rest of us.
“That’s why I’m asking people to have their say and sign my petition and let me know what Australia Day means to them.”
Mr Buchholz said he respected the right of those who held a different opinion not to celebrate Australia Day, but that should not detract from what is a great day of celebration for the most people.
“We can respect each other’s views without demanding that the majority change theirs.
“I invite all locals to have their say on this issue and help me send a clear message.”
Residents can sign the online petition at scottbuchholz.com.au