Australia Day citizenship ceremonies cancelled by 81 local councils

While many are lauding the decision to change the date of their annual citizenship ceremonies from January 26th, some Australians aren't so sure.

People march during an Invasion Day rally in Brisbane, Thursday, January 26, 2023. (AAP Image/Jono Searle) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / JONO SEARLE/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• January 26 is Australia's national day and the date when local councils hold citizenship ceremonies.
• December 2022 when the Albanese government scrapped rules - introduced by the previous Coalition government in 2017 - which forced local councils to hold citizenship ceremonies only on January 26 - or have their ability to hold ceremonies removed.
• In recent years, calls to change the date of Australia Day from January 26 have grown louder, as public awareness and education around the dates implications for First Nations people has been amplified by the work of First Nations activists and politicians.