Government slams proposal to hold a minute's silence on Australia Day as the idea to recognise Indigenous Aussies will only 'increase division'
The Morrison government has slammed a proposal to hold a minute's silence on Australia Day.
Independent MP Zali Steggall wanted the silence to recognise the suffering of Aboriginal communities during and after colonisation.
But new citizenship minister Alex Hawke said the idea will only increase divisions.
'It is disappointing to see an ill-considered proposal from the Member for Warringah that plays negative politics with our history and which can only perpetuate divisions between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians,' he said in a statement.
'The truth is Australia Day unifies us all, because of our shared history – the good and the bad.
'Regardless of the failings in our history, Australia has become one of the most free, egalitarian, safe and diverse societies today, and our shared commitment to continuing this journey together is what matters most.'
Ms Steggall - who was an Olympic skiier before turning to politics - wrote to mayors in her Sydney electorate asking they observe a minute's silence on January 26.
The day celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships into Port Jackson in 1788.
Pictured: Protestors are seen during the Invasion Day rally in Brisbane, January 26, 2020
Federal member for Warringah and Winter Olympian Zali Steggall has written to mayors in her Sydney electorate
'January 26 provokes a range of emotions for many within our community,' Ms Steggall said.
'While it marks the commencement of European colonisation of this land, it also represents the commencement of violence, disempowerment and displacement of our Indigenous communities that has created sorrow, discrimination and hardship that has lasted for generations.'
She said the gesture would be a powerful step towards healing.
'It is only right that we acknowledge all that this day represents and build remembrance into our ceremonies to recognise the price that has been paid by First Australians.'
People: People taking part in Australia Day celebrations on the rooftop of a house in Newcastle
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Ms Steggall has written to the Australian Local Government Association along with the mayors of the North Sydney, Mosman and Northern Beaches councils.
But Alice Springs councillor and Warlpiri woman Jacinta Price condemned Ms Steggall for 'painting Indigenous Australians as helpless victims'.
'Zali needs to learn a bit more about our country's history, instead of using shallow, PC, woke-ish ways of dealing with these particular issues,' she told Jim Wilson on 2GB.
She said Australia Day is a time for unity with people who have travelled across the world to become Australian.
Her push comes as the organisers of Sydney's annual 'Invasion Day' march plead with police to allow a Covid-safe version of the event to go ahead.
Last week, Scott Morrison's government warned councils not to use the Covid as an excuse to cancel Australia Day celebrations to appease Invasion Day activists who want the date changed.
Local councils are required to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26 and could have their citizenship powers revoked by the government if they fail to comply.
Pictured: Protestors are seen crossing the Victoria Bridge during the Invasion Day rally in Brisbane
While most councils are still holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, some have announced they have called them off in either solidarity with Indigenous people or the Covid pandemic.
Minister Hawke said local councils should not divide Australians over the contested date after a tough year marred by the pandemic.
'For any council seeking to play politics with Australia Day citizenship ceremonies, our message is simple - don't,' he told The Australian.
'Australians need this sort of negative bickering less than ever at this challenging time.
'We know the vast majority of councils across the country will do the right thing when determining whether to hold online or physical citizenship ceremonies.'
Inner-city Melbourne councils Yarra and Darebin will not be holding citizenship ceremonies on January 26.
The two councils voted to stop referring to January 26 as Australia Day in 2017, which resulted in their citizenship powers being stripped.
Yarra and Darebin councils will also hold events commemorating Indigenous people in place of Australia Day events.
According to a recent survey of 1,038 people by think tank Institute of Public Affairs, two thirds believed Australia Day should be celebrated on January 26.
Only 11 per cent were in favour of the date being changed.
About 72 per cent of people interviewed thought the day was an authentic way of of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to celebrate being Australian.
Pictuured: Two women pose for a photograph ahead of Australia Day celebrations on day thirteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne