Albanese disappointed by Dutton's absence at Australia Day ceremony

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his disappointment after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton snubbed the national Australia Day ceremony in Canberra.

Mr Dutton has been critiquing the Albanese government for not showing sufficient respect for the national day and has called for federal mandates that would require local councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies and related events on January 26.

Currently, such ceremonies can occur three days before or after January 26.

However, Mr Dutton chose not to attend the prestigious ceremony in the nation's capital.

Albanese stated on Sunday that “national Australia Day events should be attended by both sides of the parliament.”

“They should be bipartisan. I attended every year as opposition leader here at the Australia Day events, and I attended the Australian of the Year Awards when invited,” Mr Albanese told reporters following the national ceremony.

“This is an inspirational day, here on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, and last night is one of the best events anyone could ever attend.”

He further questioned, “Why wouldn't you participate in national events if you want to be a national leader?”

NewsWire understands that Mr Dutton was in his home state of Queensland instead.

Mr Dutton’s office has been contacted multiple times for comments regarding his Australia Day plans but had not responded as of Sunday afternoon.

He shared a video on X encouraging Australians not to be “afraid of celebrating” the national day.

“Australia Day is a celebration of the greatest country in the world, and we shouldn't be afraid of celebrating it,” Mr Dutton stated.

“To be an Australian is to have won the lottery of life. We have every reason to be patriotic and proud.”

Nationwide protests for 'Invasion Day' were held on Sunday, reflecting the ongoing debate surrounding the significance of January 26.

Despite polls indicating a majority of Australians oppose changing the date of Australia Day, there is minimal evidence suggesting that Australians feel “afraid” to celebrate on January 26.

Mr Dutton's criticisms of Labor stem from changes that were introduced about two years ago.

A rising number of councils have chosen to eliminate ceremonies on January 26 since the Albanese government eased rules around when events can be held during the national day.

The Labor government revoked a previous Coalition government directive that denied councils the right to conduct any citizenship ceremonies if they refused to do one on Australia Day.

In December 2022, the Albanese government announced that the decision was made to reduce red tape.

Councils have welcomed the newfound flexibility as they navigate the challenges of extreme heat and increased costs related to public holiday rates for staff.

Nonetheless, some councils have openly opposed commemorating Australia Day on January 26.

The date signifies the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and the commencement of Britain's colonisation of Australia, which many Indigenous Australians view as a day of mourning.