Dutton Pledges to Restore Jan. 26 Citizenship Ceremonies Within 100 Days If Elected

Children wave Australian flags for the arrival of Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla to attend a Sunday morning service at St Thomas' Anglican Church in Sydney, Australia on Oct. 20, 2024. Dean Lewins/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged that if he wins power, within 100 days he will force all local councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Jan. 26—Australia Day.

“I want us not to be divided, but I want us to stand up for what we believe in, and we will do that again, and we will have pride again in our country,” Dutton stated.

Australia Day is a national celebration commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet to the country from the UK, marking the official beginnings of European colonisation and development of Australia.

Currently, local councils have the flexibility to hold citizenship ceremonies around Jan. 26, with a three-day window either side of the date.

In recent years, some councils have opted to avoid holding the celebration on the 26th due to cultural sensitivities towards some Indigenous Australians.

At the same time, some councils have chosen to overturn previous decisions and have committed to hosting citizenship events on Australia Day.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton speaks to media, Brisbane, Australia on Dec. 13, 2024. AAP Image/Russell Freeman

PM Also Stands By Australia Day

Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also defended the national day, saying he would be attending the Canberra ceremony and encouraged Dutton to do the same.

“I'll be here in Canberra at the national event. I encourage Peter Dutton to come to the national event. I always did when I was opposition leader,” Albanese said.

The prime minister reinforced his belief in the importance of Australia Day as an inclusive celebration.

“It’s fantastic that that occurs, and I hope that there’s bipartisan support,” he added.

Australian mainstream politicians have try not to stray too far to the edges of the political spectrum—particularly those that call for Australia Day to be abolished—due to concerns it may alienate regular voters.

Dutton Takes Aim At High Commissioner Smith

Dutton’s statements were not limited to local council ceremonies; he also took aim at recent decisions by Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith.

Initially, Smith had decided not to attend the Australia Day Gala in London, an event that has long been a significant part of the celebration in the UK.

The Gala is traditionally attended by prominent figures, including the high commissioner, the equivalent of an ambassador.

Dutton took aim at Smith’s decision, calling it “beyond our comprehension” and indicating that it symbolised a broader disdain for Australia Day.

“What other developed country refuses to acknowledge its national day?” he asked, suggesting that if Smith was ashamed of Australia Day, he should return to Australia.

As per reports, the high commissioner, however, reversed his decision to skip the Gala, opting to rearrange his travel plans so he could attend the event after all.

A spokesperson for the High Commission confirmed that Smith would deliver a “personal message” from Prime Minister Albanese at the event.