Using this informaton:

Question

In modern Australia, our national day is celebrated in many different ways. Barbeques, concerts, community events and citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day across the country. Some people argue that Australia Day is the perfect opportunity to reflect on what makes our country unique and what it means to be Australian. But to many other Australians, there is nothing about 26 January that warrants celebration. To many Australians, this date is a reminder of the beginning of a brutal invasion and one which had lasting consequences. For this reason, celebrating Australia’s official national day on the anniversary of European colonisation is seen by many as deeply disrespectful to First Nations Peoples and their cultural heritage. The first official protests against Australia Day celebrations occurred in 1938 with the National Day of Mourning. This event was heavily publicised and is seen by many historians as the beginnings of the Indigenous civil rights movement. Day of Mourning protests have been held ever since, with more recent events using the names Invasion Day or Survival Day. In recent years, there have been calls to change the date of Australia Day. People calling for this change are not against celebrating an Australian national day. Instead, they want to celebrate Australian culture and identity on a date that has a more positive meaning for all Australians.

2019
40% disagree +7% vs 2021
43%agree +12% vs 2021
Neutral 15%

2021
33% disagree +7% vs 2019
55%agree +12% vs 2019
Neutral 12%

Sample size
2019=2019 21,728
2021=2021 17,351

Answer these:
1. Analyse the two sources above to identify the two perspectives for changing the date for Australia Day.
2. Referring to the sources, explain the different perspectives for changing the date of Australia Day.
3. With reference to the sources, explain two reasons for the differences for these points of views.
Reason 1



Reason 2

Answer 1

1. Analyse the two sources above to identify the two perspectives for changing the date for Australia Day.

The two perspectives on changing the date of Australia Day are:

• Support for Changing the Date: A significant portion of the Australian population, as evidenced by the increasing agreement from 43% in 2019 to 55% in 2021, believes that the date should be changed. This view is rooted in the recognition of the historical injustices faced by First Nations Peoples following European colonization, which began on January 26. Supporters of this perspective argue that celebrating the national day on a date that is more inclusive and does not commemorate colonization would be more respectful of Indigenous cultural heritage and identities.

• Opposition to Changing the Date: On the other hand, the number of Australians who disagree with changing the date has also shifted, but remains notable. In 2019, 40% disagreed with changing the date, which increased to 33% in 2021. Those who oppose changing the date tend to view Australia Day as an important celebration of national identity and culture that is crucial for unifying Australians. They may feel that changing the date would undermine the significance of the day to many Australians, especially non-Indigenous citizens.

2. Referring to the sources, explain the different perspectives for changing the date of Australia Day.

The sources illuminate two contrasting perspectives regarding the date of Australia Day:

• Supporters of changing the date argue that January 26 signifies the beginning of a violent invasion, resulting in long-term trauma and displacement for First Nations Peoples. They contend that celebrating this date is disrespectful and that a new date should be designated to represent a more inclusive and positive aspect of Australian identity. The significant increase in agreement from 43% in 2019 to 55% in 2021 suggests that a growing number of Australians resonate with this reflective approach to the national identity.

• Conversely, those who oppose changing the date often emphasize the significance of January 26 for national unity and pride. They may see it as a day that reflects the achievements and culture of Australia, thereby feeling that it should continue to be celebrated as is. The shift from 40% disagreement in 2019 to 33% in 2021 may indicate a slight acceptance of opposing viewpoints, but a distinct faction remains attached to the traditional celebration of Australia Day.

3. With reference to the sources, explain two reasons for the differences for these points of views.

Reason 1: Historical Awareness and Education
The difference in perspectives may be attributed to varying levels of awareness and education regarding Australia’s colonial history and its impact on First Nations Peoples. As more Australians learn about the historical context of January 26 and the ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities, there has been a noticeable increase in support for changing the date. This heightened awareness can lead to empathy and a desire for reconciliation, which explains the increase from 43% in 2019 to 55% in 2021.

Reason 2: Cultural Identity and Patriotism
Another reason for differing points of view is the connection individuals feel towards their national identity. Many Australians may view Australia Day as a day of pride and celebration of their country’s achievements and multicultural nature. This patriotic sentiment can lead to resistance against proposals for change, as those who disagree may feel that altering the date could diminish their connection to the national celebration. The relatively consistent percentage of disagreement indicates that a substantial portion of the population values tradition over the need for change, showcasing the complexities of national identity in a multicultural society.