Скачать или смотреть Argument to change the date of Australia Day is a ‘fig leaf’

The argument to change the date of Australia Day is one which attacks our country, seeks to undermine our legitimacy, and is motivated by the belief our country is not something to be proud of, according to Sky News host Chris Kenny.

It comes as debates flare surrounding Australia Day, particularly in relation to whether the date of the national celebration (January 26) should be changed.

“The actual day is not really the important point here,” Mr Kenny said.

“It didn’t create a country on that day, it wasn’t an invasion, it didn’t effect most of the country.

“But that day was the day the Indigenous heritage and people of this land were inextricably linked to the British traditions and the immigrant influx that have created modern Australia.”

Mr Kenny said January 26 is therefore “as good as any day” to celebrate Australia.

“The argument’s not really about the day, that’s just a fig leaf,” he said.

“The argument to the change the date is one that attacks the country, it seeks to undermine our legitimacy, it is motivated by a belief that we should not be proud of this country, that we should be ashamed, or sorry.”

He noted Australia has “many blemishes” in its history, but the changing the date will not solve many of the difficult issues facing the Indigenous community such as domestic violence or finding jobs.

“We are all Australians; we share this wonderful continent and its wonderful ideas about fairness.

“And most of us want to do more to improve our country, to lift its people, to spread the idea of a fair go.”