Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has torn into the Federal Government, urging for the reinstatement of a cancelled Australia Day event in England.
The outspoken Senator called on Australian High Commissioner Stephen Smith to reverse the decision cancel the Australia Day Gala, which is organised by the Australia Day Foundation for scholarships.
The event, which aims to fund scholarships for Australians wanting to study in the UK, was reportedly cancelled due to sensitivities for some Australians.
A spokesperson for Mr Smith later said the choice was made with respect to proposing an alternative night for the high-profile event.
Ms Price branded the decision “unAustralian” and questioned his authority to make such a symbolic decision.
“I would like to understand where Mr Smith thinks he can make this determination all by himself. Who gave him permission to do so?” she said in an interview with 2GB’s Mark Levy.
“I think it is a put down to put an end to any celebrations of Australia Day.”
Ms Price encouraged Aussies to celebrate the country together on January 26th.
“I think we have to get back to being proud of what it means to be Australian in this lucky country and appreciate what we do have,” she said.
“I think the Prime Minister should be overturning those actions because they are uncalled for and unAustralian.”
Ms Price also brought up the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum’s result, claiming it was a sign that Australians are tired of being put down and calls for a return to celebrating Australia Day.
She claimed Yes campaigners “demonstrated just how of touch” they are with everyday Australians who voted against the Voice “because they didn’t want Australia to be divided along the lines of race”.
“Every day Australians were sick of being called racist of being told they were on the wrong side of history if they voted no,” she said.
“They said yes to a united Australia where we recognise each and every one of us as Australian citizens equal, regardless of race gender or any other label.
“It’s just a pity there are still some supporters of the Voice who can’t come to terms with that.”
Peter Dutton also called for Australia’s highest-ranking British diplomat to apologise after moving the Australia Day fundraising event in the UK.
“How can we have a high commissioner who is ashamed of Australia Day? Australia Day is a celebration of our history and our heritage,” Mr Dutton said.
“I think I speak for the majority of Australians who are proud of our country, recognising the history of Indigenous heritage and white settlement in our country. More of that needs to be celebrated.”
The January 26 date, which marks the First Fleet’s landing at Sydney Cove in 1788, is considered a day of mourning for Indigenous communities, with some campaigners referring to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day.
A survey of more than 2000 people conducted by YouGov in 2022 found that 56 per cent were in favour of keeping the date of Australia Day as is.
Nearly half of those aged under 35, however, supported a changed date.
