Australia Day: answers to tricky questions

1. What's the fuss about Australia Day?

▸ January 26 marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet and the start of British colonisation. Some people say this was the beginning of modern Australia, but for many First Nations people, it was the start of losing land, culture and family.

▸ Colonisation may have started over 230 years ago, but it continues to have a real impact today. That’s why some call it Invasion Day, Survival Day or Day of Mourning.

▸ January 26 is not a day of unity. Some people want to change the date to one that’s inclusive of and respectful to both First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians. Some people want to keep the date as it is, and some want to cancel it all together. It’s a debate with loud voices and many strong opinions.

▸ The question we need to be asking is how do we move forward together? There’s no simple answer; it’s going to take time, and people willing to listen to the perspectives of others. Understanding our shared story is a great place to start.