THE GREAT AUSTRALIA DAY DEBATE

The day that was intended to bring all Australians together has sadly become a sharp bone of contention. Some are even now referring to it as “Invasion Day”.

This unfortunate term is, of course, a politically motivated anachronism because there is no way the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove on 26th January, 1788, was intended (or viewed) as an invasion. At the time, aboriginal sovereignty over the land was neither understood nor appreciated.

To judge eighteenth century history according to twenty-first century knowledge is the worst kind of historical revisionism.

But that’s not the point I wish to make here. I believe that the concept of an Australia Day is important because this is actually a wonderful country.  Many different cultures can flourish here, including all the various aboriginal cultures.

It is a mistake to talk about Australia as a single, unified culture.  We are one society but we are not one culture.  Even before January 26th, 1788, there was no one single culture here.

As a Christian, I would like to see more public recognition for the Christian heritage that has helped shape our nation.  Australia Day, for me, is an opportunity 1) to thank God for the blessings we share and 2) to celebrate the freedom that we have to promote and enjoy a Christian way of life, a Christian culture.

Aboriginal culture, despite the atrocities of bygone years and centuries, currently enjoys a highly esteemed status in a modern Australian society.  There are important inequalities that still need to be addressed but these inequalities are recognised and attempts are being made to rectify them.

The date for celebrating Australia Day should not be a problem.  Rather than seeing it as an invasion, we should see January 26th as the difficult and often painful beginning of something that eventually would bring opportunity to work together towards a society marked by harmony and understanding. 

It’s not about looking back with guilt and condemnation; it’s about celebrating who we are as a nation now.  And the Christian faith has historically had a huge role in developing Australia as the great nation we currently enjoy.