Instead of abolishing Australia Day, let’s double it!

January 25 should be "First Australians Day" – a mourning for the last unspoiled day of indigenous life. 

Then, January 26 could be repurposed as "New Australians Day" – a celebration of all immigrants, starting with Captain Cook, to migrants today. 

The Problem:
Every January, our nation endlessly debates the merits of Australia Day. Whilst we face many other challenges as a nation, from housing to climate, we are remarkably insistent on expending so much political bandwidth on an issue for which we have made no progress. 

Particularly after the Voice debacle, unless it is resolved this repetitive debate only stands to cause further antagonism in our polarised society.

The Solution: Two Australia Days

January 25th would be a day of celebration for Indigenous Australians and an annual moment to collectively mourn their loss. "First Australians Day" could be recognised with reconciliation events and Indigenous performances in our cultural institutions. As a holiday, non-Indigenous Australians could take the opportunity to visit Aboriginal communities, support their businesses and express their gratitude to our First Peoples.

January 26th would be a day to celebrate all migrants, recognising that Captain Cook was the first migrant to arrive in Australia. However, from English to Greeks to Indians, "New Australians Day" can be a day for all those who have immigrated to our great country. 

Join the Campaign
Few, if any, Australians identify with the legacy of colonialism and Empire that Australia Day presently represents – which is at the root of the fruitless debate. However, all Australians today are either Indigenous to this great land, or settlers. Thus having two national days represents the current national composition whilst also being future-proofed. 

You can read more at www.ausday.org.

This is a solution that is elegant, inclusive and, most importantly, permanent.