Liked: 'It’s a familiar process: after years of alarmism, most issues are quietly accepted once the policy becomes legislation and a part of the normal political processes. Quite often – just like the marriage equality debate that ended in 2017 after the public voted “Yes” in the plebiscite – voters look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. Each successful reform on social issues further erodes the power of fear-based campaigning and leaves the culture war warriors increasingly disconnected from reality.'
Conservatives seem remarkably ignorant about the actual history of Australia.
Governor Phillip did NOT found Australia on January 26. All that happened was Phillip held a brief ceremony of thanks for a safe voyage.
It was not until February 10 that Phillip claimed the eastern half of Australia for Britain.
Note: Phillip only claimed the eastern half.
The western half of Australia was not claimed until 1829 by Captain Fremantle when the Swan River settlement in WA was founded at what became modern Fremantle.
'Australia', as a nation did not exist until February 1, 1901, when the states federated in Melbourne.
I’m betting that most people would think “But we already have a day off on January 1!”
Referenda were held in the lead up to 1901 where Australians voted to accept the proposed federation, maybe one of those days should be adopted- this would link the idea of the nation back to the constitutional debates that created the nation. Admittedly still a colonial act of power but at least a more honest view than “discovering” or “settling” an empty land
It's true January 1 is already a holiday, but so what? This isn't about getting an extra holiday, it's about correctly recognising when Australia began.
Your comment about the referenda is interesting, but weren't they different in each state? That could get confusing.
We didn’t take that into account, but good point. Maybe it’s the cycle of conservatism – media > politics > media > politics. Rinse and repeat.
Culture Wars are as much about media monetising outrage as politics .
Liked: 'It’s a familiar process: after years of alarmism, most issues are quietly accepted once the policy becomes legislation and a part of the normal political processes. Quite often – just like the marriage equality debate that ended in 2017 after the public voted “Yes” in the plebiscite – voters look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. Each successful reform on social issues further erodes the power of fear-based campaigning and leaves the culture war warriors increasingly disconnected from reality.'
Magnificently well said 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Conservatives seem remarkably ignorant about the actual history of Australia.
Governor Phillip did NOT found Australia on January 26. All that happened was Phillip held a brief ceremony of thanks for a safe voyage.
It was not until February 10 that Phillip claimed the eastern half of Australia for Britain.
Note: Phillip only claimed the eastern half.
The western half of Australia was not claimed until 1829 by Captain Fremantle when the Swan River settlement in WA was founded at what became modern Fremantle.
'Australia', as a nation did not exist until February 1, 1901, when the states federated in Melbourne.
So January 1 should be Australia Day.
I’m betting that most people would think “But we already have a day off on January 1!”
Referenda were held in the lead up to 1901 where Australians voted to accept the proposed federation, maybe one of those days should be adopted- this would link the idea of the nation back to the constitutional debates that created the nation. Admittedly still a colonial act of power but at least a more honest view than “discovering” or “settling” an empty land
It's true January 1 is already a holiday, but so what? This isn't about getting an extra holiday, it's about correctly recognising when Australia began.
Your comment about the referenda is interesting, but weren't they different in each state? That could get confusing.