Dear Supporters,

Over 50,000 of you have now signed this petition backing the Australian Long Weekend, a common-sense solution that gives Australians a guaranteed summer long weekend on a date the whole country can enjoy. Thank you for helping turn this idea into a movement.

The momentum is real. Independent YouGov polling shows 54% of Australians prefer a Long Weekend over January 26, with 70% support among 18–24 year olds and backing across cities, suburbs, regional towns and rural areas. This is no longer a fringe idea. It's a mainstream one waiting for political courage.

But a good solution still needs a compelling case for change, and right now there's a rare opportunity to put that case on the public record.

The federal Parliament is holding an inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and they want to hear from you. The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is calling for submissions from First Nations people who have experienced racism, hate or violence. Non-Indigenous people who have witnessed racism against First Nations people are also welcome to contribute.

Parliamentary inquiries produce formal recommendations that governments must respond to. If the committee hears, on the record, that January 26 intensifies the racism, hate and ideologically motivated violence directed at First Nations people, that evidence strengthens the argument this petition has already made: that January 26 has become a date of division in this country.

Every submission that names Australia Day on its current date, January 26, as a source of racism, hate and violence builds the case for change, and gives politicians the evidence they need to take the practical off-ramp the Australian Long Weekend offers.

This year, that case became tragically clear. On 26 January 2026, a homemade bomb was thrown into a crowd of around 2,000 people gathered peacefully at the Boorloo (Perth) Invasion Day rally. Elders, children and babies were among them. The device, packed with ball bearings and screws, failed to detonate. A man has since been charged with a terrorist act. It is the first time in Australian history a terror charge has been laid in relation to an attack on First Nations people.

That's the extreme end of what January 26 concentrates every year, alongside the everyday abuse, intimidation, and exhaustion First Nations people, and those who stand with them, absorb around this date. The Australian Long Weekend proposal exists because of this harm, and because of the history of the date itself.

That's why your submission matters. A signature is a show of support. A submission is a piece of evidence. The inquiry needs both. We need a day of national unity, not a day that hurts and excludes First Australians.

Don't stress about the format. Submissions can be written, video, audio, photos or artwork. There's no set format. Just share facts, opinions or recommendations in whatever way feels right. Your submission doesn't have to be about January 26 specifically. Any racism you've experienced or witnessed against First Nations people belongs on the record.

What you need to know:

• Deadline: 1 May 2026
• Who can submit: Individuals and organisations. First Nations people and non-Indigenous people
• How to submit: Lodge your submission on the inquiry page
• Details and Terms of Reference: Read the full Terms of Reference
• Confidentiality: You can request your name or submission be kept private

Please share this with your networks. 50,000 signatures show there's a better way forward. Submissions on the record give politicians the proof they need to take it.

If this feels heavy, please look after yourself. 13YARN (13 92 76) for Mob, Lifeline (13 11 14) for everyone.

Yours in the struggle,

CTG Fam x