Australia Day debate

Australia Day is Australia's national day, marking the landing of the First Fleet under Captain Arthur Phillip at Sydney Cove, and the raising of the British Union Jack, in 1788. After the federation of Australia on 1 January 1901, the official recognition and dates of Australia Day by that name, and its corresponding holiday, emerged gradually. Further alternations and alternatives have been proposed for debate, but none officially agreed to or adopted.

26 January was previously recognised by different names (prior to 1946) and as a regionally-specific date lacking national recognition (prior to 1935). Historically, "Australia Day" public holidays were held on different dates around Australia (such as a movable Monday or Friday for long weekends), with the first being designated as Friday 30 July 1915, as fundraising for the First World War effort.

There have also been proposals to institute a second day specifically for Indigenous Australians in addition to the existing date, which is often referred to as Invasion Day by opponents. Polling has shown a marked shift towards support for a change of date or second day of celebration since 2000, though around two thirds of respondents in recent years have supported the existing date. Various proposals for the name and date of a new holiday have been put forward.

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