Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has addressed the nation to wish the country a ‘Happy Day’ – but those three words have already divided Aussies.
January 26 marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the ‘First Fleet’ to Sydney Cove, which mainly carried convicts and troops from Britain.
For many indigenous ns, who trace their lineage on the continent back 50,000 years, it is ‘Invasion Day’, the start of Britain’s colonisation of Aboriginal lands and their brutal subjugation.
Aussies were divided about Mr Albanese using the term ‘Happy Day’, including author Lauren Dubois who highlighted how it was offensive to Aboriginal people.
‘When you’re wishing ‘happy Day’ on a day you know causes great pain and anguish to so many people, you are being deliberately cruel,’ she explained.
‘You have heard it directly from people, it’s a day of mourning. And you’re smiling and celebrating their grief?
‘You stand for nothing. You’ve changed nothing. You’re doing nothing. What a disappointment.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon are pictured at The National Day Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony in Canberra on Friday
Earlier in the day, Mr Albanese shared a video (pictured) on X wishing the nation ‘Happy Day’
‘Invasion day, mate,’ another added.
A third said: ‘n day resembles a day of invasion, rape, land theft and colonisation!
‘I think it’s time we change the date so it’s not so inflammatory for indigenous civilians that endured the trauma.’
A fourth added: ‘You are such a sell-out. How were you advocating for a yes vote, but moments later supporting a genocide and wishing a happy invasion day?’
However, many others supported the PM for acknowledging the day, including some of his fierce critics.
‘I have to admit. I’m surprised you actually said Happy Day. I guess sometimes you’re not always such a bad PM,’ they said.
A second added: ‘I never thought I’d ever agree with Albo, but I certainly do on this occasion. Well done Albo (for once!).
Others said the prime minister needed to go further to acknowledge Day because he did not wear or feature an n flag in the video.
A group of men and women are pictured celebrating Day 2024 on a boat in the Gold Coast
A group of men were seen carrying an esky as Aussies flocked to the beach in the Gold Coast on Friday
A woman and man were spotted sitting on the beach at Wave Break, in the Gold Coast, with Day merchandise
‘Where’s the n flag?’ one person said.
‘Got an n flag, or is that too hateful, mate?’ someone else wrote.
In his Day message, Mr Albanese extended his thoughts to Aussies grappling with natural disasters after tens of thousands of Queenslanders were left without power after Tropical Cyclone Kirrily made landfall overnight.
He also paid respect to ‘s Indigenous roots as well as the nation’s history of migration, which has contributed to the country’s diverse population.
‘My fellow ns, today as many of us are celebrating Day, our first thoughts are with those communities battling natural disasters,’ he began.
‘Seeing people work together to save lives and rebuild homes and businesses is a powerful reminder that the worst of times reveal the best of the n character.’
Many n flags were erected next to tents as Aussies flocked to the beach
Another man put his thumb up as he sat in a boat with an n flag
Mr Albanese added said that ‘compassion, respect, courage and kindness’ are at the ‘heart of out national identity’ and are the ‘foundation of our national success’.
He said it was these values that we pay homage to on Day and with everything happening around the world today, ns could be proud about how our ‘diversity strengthens our unity’.
‘This begins with the unique privilege we have of being home to the oldest continuous culture on earth,’ he said.
‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have loved and cared for this country for over 65,000 years and they continue to uplift our nation.’
‘And over generations, people from every part of the world, from all faiths and backgrounds and traditions have enriched and enlarged our society and our democracy.’
Mr Albanese said immigration has ‘added to our national spirit of aspiration and endeavour’ as migrants ’embrace profoundly n determination to create a better life and greater opportunity for our children and grandchildren’.
He said ‘s story of integrating people who have migrated from all over the world will continue on Friday as thousands make the citizenship pledge at ceremonies across the country.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in cities across the country as Indigenous rights advocates call for changes to the public holiday and an end to racial inequality. Pictured: A rally in Brisbane
Thousands marched through Brisbane on Friday, waving flags and signs
Crowds gathered for speeches and performances as the rally raged through Brisbane
Mr Albanese said while Day is a date to reflect on how lucky Aussies are to live in the greatest country in the world, he said the ‘fairness, democracy and community harmony we treasure’ is not down to luck – but rather our shared values.
Those values, he said, are the product of ‘generations of hard work, sacrifice and cooperation’, as he paid special tribute to those who have served in the armed forces.
Ending his speech, Mr Albanese called on Aussies to see how our differences and working together has contributed to the prosperity of our country.
‘Everything we have, we have built together. We cherish that. We celebrate that. And most of all, each of us has the chance to add to that,’ he said.
‘Working together, we can make this an even better, stronger and fairer country.
‘Happy Day.’
In 2019, Kado Muir, who is a leading advocate for Aboriginal culture, heritage and awareness said the phrase was an ‘ignorant gesture’.
‘This issue is extremely divisive and sensitive to all ns,’ Mr Muir told News LTD.
A sea of demonstrators blocked roads through the heart of Sydney on Friday
A woman holds up a sign supporting Indigenous ns and Palestinians as she marches through Sydney
Sydneysiders sat in the grass as they listened to ‘Invasion Day’ speeches
‘I know White is guilty and fragile. I know Black is broken and angry.’
He called on ns to rise above the ‘base destructive emotions’ in the debate and instead shift focus onto the aspects that unite the country.
Leading Aboriginal campaigner Cheree Toka said many people traded in the term ‘ Day’ for ‘Survival Day’.
She said the national day of commemoration on January 26 was a sad day for First Nations people.
‘Celebrating Day on January 26th is offensive,’ said Joe Williams, a mental health worker and former professional rugby league player.
It comes as the ‘Change The Date’ movement has escalated in recent years as growing numbers of protesters take to the streets of capital cities on the public holiday to throw their support behind Indigenous ns.
Tens of thousands are expected to march through CBDs across the country on Friday, carrying the Aboriginal flag and banners calling for change.
Major companies and businesses have also begun rethinking their branding strategies as the campaign continues to gain momentum.
Protesters breached AFP lines as they marched to the forecourt of Parliament House in Canberra
A man screams a chant as he participated in a rally at Parliament House, in Canberra
In December, it was announced 80 councils had decided to scrap citizenship ceremonies on January 26 amid growing division around the national day.
The move came after the Albanese government axed a rule that forced councils to hold Day citizenship ceremonies.
Earlier this month, Woolworths sparked controversy after announcing it would no longer sell Day merchandise.
‘There has been a gradual decline in demand for Day merchandise from our stores over recent years. At the same time there’s been broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community,’ the supermarket giant, which also owns Big W stores, said.
‘We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.
‘Woolworths and BIG W celebrate the best of every day, and we’re proud to support the farmers, producers, and suppliers who work with us.’
Aldi later announced it would also not be stocking any -themed merchandise in its special buy section this year.
The supermarkets join Kmart after the discount store axed its Day merchandise in 2023.
Mr Albanese reminded Aussies of the nation’s ‘shared values’ ahead of citizenship ceremonies to take place around the country today. He is pictured at a ceremony in Canberra last year