What’s happening?
The Federal Member for Bowman, Henry Pike, is calling on the Australian Government to legislate 26 January as Australia Day.
Mr Pike has reintroduced his Australia Day Bill 2025 to Parliament. The Bill seeks to give Australia Day the same legal protection as the Australian flag.
Under the proposal, the date could not be changed without approval from Australians through a national plebiscite.
The Bill was not allowed to be debated during the 47th Parliament.
Mr Pike says the Albanese Government appears set to take the same position in the 48th Parliament.
He is now urging Australians to sign a petition to increase pressure on the Government.
Why it matters
Australia Day remains a deeply contested national issue.
Mr Pike argues that any change to the date should only occur with direct approval from voters.
“Australia Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It represents who we are as a nation,” Mr Pike said.
“26 January is Australia Day and should not be changed without approval by the Australian people. Everyday Aussies are proud to celebrate our national day.”
Local impact
Mr Pike says community feedback has been consistent.
He claims Australians are concerned about what he describes as a gradual reduction in Australia Day celebrations.
“For years, corporations, media, activists, and woke inner-city lefties have tried to make Australians feel guilty for celebrating our national day,” he said.
“First it was the ‘Voice’, now they quietly cancel Australia Day celebrations, remove merchandise, and allow public servants to take other days off.”
By the numbers
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More than 67,000 Australians have signed Mr Pike’s petition supporting the Australia Day Bill.
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The Bill proposes to protect Australia Day in the same way the Australian flag is protected under law.
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A $1.5 million federal grant was recently awarded for a study examining changes to Australia Day, which Mr Pike criticised.
Zoom in
Mr Pike accused the Government of avoiding a direct public debate on the issue.
“They know they cannot win a straight fight to abolish Australia Day,” he said.
“So they chip away at it from the edges. One decision. One directive. One ‘sensitive’ cancellation at a time.”
Zoom out
The debate over Australia Day has continued for years across politics, media, and public institutions.
The Bill is intended to resolve the issue by placing any future decision about the date directly in the hands of voters.
What to look for next?
Mr Pike says he will continue to push for the Bill to be debated in Parliament.
“Australians are tired of their national day being used as a political plaything,” he said.
“Australia Day is 26 January, let’s protect it through legislation just like we protect our flag.”
Australians can sign the petition HERE
