Mayor exposes huge problem with councils cancelling Australia Day citizenship ceremonies – after 81 opted out
A western Sydney mayor has called out “woke” councils across the country who are choosing not to hold their citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
It comes as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced he would reintroduce a requirement for councils to hold their ceremonies on January 26.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced a policy change in 2022 that allowed municipalities to hold the ceremonies up to three days before or after the national holiday.
Since then, four of the 537 councils have opted out of Australia Day ceremonies in 2023, and then 81 councils in 2024.
Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone believes the municipalities that left the day “clearly have an agenda.”
“I think a lot of councils are abusing the current system, they’re a bit woke in my opinion compared to our council, and they’re trying to find an excuse not to stick with it,” Mr Carbone said. Sky News Australia.
‘And I think that’s a real shame. I agree in theory that this should happen on Australia Day.
“It’s not just about citizenship, it’s also about the awards ceremony.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced a policy change in 2022 that allowed municipalities to hold the ceremonies on alternate days
Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone believes the councils that left the day ‘clearly have an agenda’
Mr Carbone won’t have to change anything if Dutton comes to power because his council already holds its citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.
He said he agreed in principle with Dutton’s policy.
“He tries to instill pride, and actually tries to appreciate the importance of the day, by celebrating it on Australia Day.
“I think we all recognize and accept that it would be nice to have all those ceremonies on that one day, which is a very important day for all of us.”
He said some councils may face staff shortages and incur higher costs to hold the ceremony on the day, but he insisted they would have to “bear” the costs.
Blacktown councilor Allan Green told Daily Mail Australia holding the ceremonies on January 26 was the “best way to celebrate our national day”.
“It is important that new citizens adopt our core values and feel the national pride associated with Australia Day,” Mr Green said.
‘There is also always an indigenous component in the ceremony.’
Four of 537 municipalities have opted out of Australia Day ceremonies in 2023, followed by 81 municipalities in 2024
He said Blacktown City Council has always held its ceremonies on Australia Day.
“Councils that do not hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day show a lack of respect for that day.
‘These councils are disloyal to our national identity. It is an insulting and shameful act.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has avoided a debate with Dutton on the issue, saying only on Tuesday that his Marrickville council is hosting events on Australia Day.
“I will be attending the national Australia Day commemorations [in Canberra] as I have done every year I have been Labor leader,” Mr Albanese said.
“I hope Peter Dutton makes the choice to take part in the national Australia Day celebrations in Canberra this year. I did that as opposition leader.’