Melbourne's annual Australia Day parade will not be returning, as the Victorian government has confirmed there are no plans to reinstate the event nearly four years after it was originally cancelled. This decision reflects the state's acknowledgment of the complex sentiments surrounding January 26, regarded by many, particularly within Indigenous communities, as not a date to celebrate.
Premier Jacinta Allan has officially announced the cancellation, emphasizing the need for reflection and conversation about what the day signifies for diverse groups across Victoria. A spokesperson from the Department of Premier and Cabinet stated, "The Victorian Government supports a range of Australia Day events...,” adding, "On this day, we encourage conversation and reflection on the different meanings of the day for all Victorians." This marks the continuation of the government's stance since the parade was first shelved back in 2020, ostensibly due to the pandemic.
Following the cancellation, there are still several events aimed at commemorative and celebratory purposes. For Australia Day 2025, residents can look forward to alternatives such as the traditional 21-gun salute at the Shrine of Remembrance and RAAF flyover, along with flag-raising ceremonies and Open Day festivities at Government House.
Ngarra Murray, Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, voiced her support for the parade's cancellation, stating, "The Aboriginal community has a range of views on January 26, but whichever way you look at it, it’s a day of mourning for many of our people.” Her sentiments underline the perspective of numerous Indigenous Australians who see the date as one associated with loss rather than celebration.
This cancellation has not occurred without controversy, as several local councils within Victoria are reassessing their positions on celebrating Australia Day. For example, Geelong’s City Council is reconsidering its earlier decision to cancel celebrations after community feedback revealed significant opposition to the previous stance. Mayor Stretch Kontelj expressed, "It is important to note Australia Day is a national day proclaimed by the federal government... It’s about celebrating everything good about our country."
Interestingly, not all reactions to Australia Day events have aligned strictly along state lines. The hospitality sector reacted recently when the Australian Venue Co reversed its decision to ban festivities across its venues, stating, "We sincerely regret... our purpose is to reinforce community, not divide it.” This came after public backlash against the venue's plan, which sought to limit celebrations due to the date's contentious nature.
Meanwhile, the broader Victorian public remains divided on the matter according to recent polling from Roy Morgan, which indicated over two-thirds of Australians wish to keep the date as is. Nevertheless, some opinion leaders are pushing for changes. Liberal MP Dan Tehan advocated for mandatory citizenship ceremonies on January 26, emphasizing new citizens should have the opportunity to celebrate their nationality on the designated national day.
Allan's government remains steadfast against reinstatement, illustrating the polarizing nature of Australia Day itself. The government's official communication suggests it wants to promote activities celebrating state and national heritage without endorsing the date's more painful historical significance for many Australians. The decision not to reinstate the parade seems to echo broader societal shifts, as there are transitions among local councils as well, with several reconsidering previous resolutions to cancel activities on the day.
Even with the cancellation, the approach by the Victorian government reflects changing attitudes toward celebrations tied to Australia Day. The spotlight now is on how this day is commemorated and what it means to various demographics across the state. With alternative events planned for 2025, the hope remains to strike a balance between celebration and acknowledgment of the complex history tied to this date.
Historically, the Australia Day parade has been a staple of Melbourne's cultural calendar, prompting discussions about its future place amid changing national narratives. The increasing dialogue surrounding January 26 potentially foreshadows continued modifications to how Australia Day is observed.
