[Brad Lockyer]

Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith, our highest-ranking diplomat in London, has made the controversial decision to cancel the annual Australia Day black-tie gala held at Australia House.

A spokesperson for Mr Smith said the decision was made to respect to those who wish to change the date of Australia Day and proposed an alternative date for the gala.

But federal opposition leader Peter Dutton jumped on the decision, telling news.com.au he thought it was a “crazy” call and that Mr Smith should immediately reverse his decision.

“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.

A survey conducted by YouGov in 2022 found 56 per cent were in favour of keeping the date of Australia Day as it is but nearly half of those aged under 35 supported a changed date.

[JayJay]

What a low act. He is NOT there to bray his personal political opinion to the world.
He is there representing his – our -country as it is TODAY. Our national day is 26th January. It is NOT HIS JOB TO CHANGE THAT.

He should be recalled to Canberra and an explanation demanded of him. If he cannot change his opinion he should resign his post to give another, more fitting person the opportunity to represent Australia FULLY.

[David Ryder]

All this nonsense about the date of Australia Day. It does not matter when it is held or even if it is held at all. It’s just another public holiday for most people with zero special significance. It has been held on other dates in the past and could be again.

[driag]

Sack the conceited bastard. He has no right to cancel Australia’s historical celebration

[Author]

Posts