WANNON MP and shadow minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Dan Tehan said the Australian Government was destabilising the importance of Australia Day by allowing more than 80 councils across Australia to refuse to conduct citizenship ceremonies on the national day.

“The Labor Government is sending the message that January 26 is no more special than any other day of the year,” Mr Tehan said.

“The Prime Minister said he has no plans to change Australia Day but judge him on his words, not his actions.”

“The Albanese Government changed the rules to allow local councils to cancel their citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, and 81 councils have now taken up that offer, according to new data published (December 31, 2023).

“The Coalition believes that new citizens should have the opportunity to become Australians on our national day.

“Labor is undermining the significance of Australia Day and is laying the groundwork to abolish January 26 as Australia Day.”

Mr Tehan said if the Prime Minister wanted to change Australia Day that he should be transparent “with the Australian people instead of working in the shadows to change the date”.

Mr Tehan said Mr Albanese’s hand-picked ambassador to the United Kingdom, former cabinet minister, the Hon Stephen Smith, had already cancelled a long-running charity event held on Australia Day.

“Australia Day is a proud day for the many thousands of people who will join our multicultural family and become Australian citizens.

“It should be respected,” Mr Tehan said.