While there maybe reasons to do this (probably the same reasons since 1938) the real reason for not moving this to any other date thus far is simple, it would take away a chance of a long weekend and that ladies and gentlemen of the jury is just Un-Australian. Australia Day is not celebrated every year with land acquisitions but with those things every Australia can appreciate.
If it moved to January 1st how would the cricketers manage to play with a New Years Eve hangover? How would the schoolies have one last party with the Hottest 100 just before going back to another year of class? How would Anzac Day be honored if overshadowed by Australia Day?
I'm not blind to the reasons for moving it its just that Australia Day doesn't mean invasion to the vast majority of its population, for the last 60 years to some its the day where they took an Oath and became Australian citizens. Its a time to reflect on why the Australian way of life is so great not for political upheaval.
Perhaps the only problem with Australia Day as it is, is it is not long enough. Instead of Australia Day it should be Australia Week! How can you fit all that is great into a single day? How did I spend my Australia Day this year? I didnt I had a 4 day celebration consisting of Drinks, Poker Games, Live Music, Scenic Rides, BBQs, Flaming Bundy Bananas and Backyard Cricket. Try and fit that in your one day...
Unless there is a suggestion to create another public holiday to counter balance the reasons for wanting to move it taking away a holiday just plain Un-Australian.
Andy, a man who likes setting desserts on fire on January 26th.
