What Bazz says.
Alan B.

What Ben Pobjie said in his book: "Aussie, Aussie,
Aussie." :

" The first inhabitants were of course the Aboriginal
people. who generations of Australians remember from that
one history class when the teacher mentioned them. But the
original inhabitants would not have thought of themselves
as Australian."

"the 250 individual nations that occupied the continent had
yet to gain the wonderful sense of national unity that white
men brought to Australia along with other marvelous
innovations such as guns and smallpox."

"For many thousands of years these people lived in total
ignorance of what they were missing out on. not even knowing
how deprived they were until their European benefactors
came along to teach and/ or kill them."

"Of course these white men didn't think of Australia as
"Australia" either. The Fleeters thought of themselves as
British and the fact that they were on the other side of the
world would not stop them feeling that way."

"In fact it took some time for the British and their descendants
in Australia to stop thinking of England as "home."

Some still think that way. And still view Australia as an
outpost of the British Empire far beyond the point in which this
perception was literally true or even remotely reasonable.

And who can blame them. We are after all - still British subjects
with a British monarch as our Head of State. That hasn't changed.

Well said Everald, couldn't agree more, Australia Day is 1st January 1901. The only reason a majority support 26th January is they don't want to lose the public holiday. I would agree with a holiday for Multicultural / Harmony Day, March 21st.

It was great to see all the terrific Australians announced in the awards yesterday, I agree with all those named as all are worthy of recognition. However one old fart on here will be upset, his folk hero Corny Banana missed out for the umteenth year in a row.

they don't want to lose the public holiday
Paul1405,
Something tells me you might be right with that !

Dear Paul,

I loved the Canberra ceremony yesterday. It had a bit of
everything in it. From Indigenous music, dance, flags,
welcome to country to citizenship ceremonies. We are one
and we are many indeed! Get rid of "Advance Australia
Fair," we got rid of The White Australia policy - it's time for
this "fair" anthem to go as well. Also - it is time we thought
of not only being Australian citizens - but being Australian
subjects and not British subjects.

Hi Foxy,

I'm in favour of abandoning 26th January completely. Australia Day 1st January, new public holiday Multicultural / Harmony Day, March 21st. This 26th January crap is like if Germany had their national day on 20th April to celebrate the Fuhrer's birthday, and they told Jewish people; "just get over it". Good turnout in Brisbane yesterday for the 'Invasion Day' protest.