Bayswater Council Reconsiders Australia Day Ceremony Timing Amid Security Warnings
City of Bayswater staff have issued a strong warning that Australia Day events must be "carefully managed" as the council debates whether to return citizenship and awards ceremonies to January 26. The council had previously moved these ceremonies to the three days following Australia Day in March 2024, but a new motion from councillor Michelle Sutherland seeks to reverse this decision.
Community Voices Divided on Ceremony Timing
The proposal has sparked significant community debate, with residents expressing strong opinions on both sides. Bedford resident Georgina Kerr reminded councillors that when the same topic was debated in 2024, Cr Sutherland was not in attendance. Ms Kerr pointed to the recent terrorist incident at an Invasion Day ceremony in Perth's CBD, describing it as "further re-traumatisation of a group of people that is already subject to significant trauma."
In contrast, long-time Bayswater resident Troy Meade, who has lived in the community for 54 years, strongly supported holding ceremonies on Australia Day. He emphasized the symbolic significance, cultural identity celebration, community recognition, sense of belonging, and tradition that January 26 represents. While acknowledging that the date is "deeply difficult" for some, Mr Meade argued that "we are one people, we are all Australian" and called for finding ways to acknowledge history while celebrating unity.
Councillors Express Concern Over Timing Proposal
When the motion became public last week, several councillors took to social media to express their reservations. Councillor Nat Latter stated that the motion "seriously underestimates the historical moment we are in" and expressed particular concern about its impact following the recent alleged terrorist act. Councillor Cale Black, who serves on the city's reconciliation advisory committee, noted that January 26 brings both celebration and pain for different community members.
"For me, it is reflection on where we have come from as a nation, what future we want to work towards, and how we can work hand-in-hand through reconciliation to achieve this," Cr Black explained. The city's reconciliation advisory committee has specifically recommended holding ceremonies after Australia Day due to the sensitivities associated with January 26.
Staff Report Highlights Multiple Risks
In response to the proposal, city officers have prepared a detailed report outlining significant risks associated with holding events on Australia Day. The report notes that January 26 is "a nationally recognised date for both celebration and protest," which could expose the organization to heightened crowd management challenges, potential protest-related disruption, and security threats.
The report specifically warns that hosting large public events on this date would require additional planning, resourcing, and coordination with emergency services. City officers also highlighted the potential for criticism and reputational damage, noting that "Australia Day and associated debates carry strong national and community sentiment, with media attention often high."
Financial considerations also play a significant role in the assessment. Holding events on the public holiday would mean higher staff wages, service surcharges, and increased security and risk management costs. The report suggests that consideration of alternative dates provides greater opportunity to mitigate these various risks.
Broader Context of Council Decisions
The debate occurs within a broader national context of councils reconsidering their Australia Day arrangements. Since January 2023, the Federal Government has allowed councils to hold citizenship ceremonies within three days before or after the public holiday. This policy change has led to varied approaches across Perth metropolitan councils.
Some councils, including Perth, Joondalup, Wanneroo, Stirling, and Swan, continue to hold ceremonies on the public holiday itself. Others, such as Cambridge and Cockburn, have moved their Australia Day events to alternative dates. The City of Bayswater's decision will place it within this spectrum of approaches to commemorating Australia's national day.
The council will consider the request at its agenda briefing meeting on Tuesday, February 17, with a formal decision expected at the February 24 council meeting. The outcome will determine whether Bayswater returns to holding citizenship and awards ceremonies on January 26 or maintains its current approach of scheduling these events in the days following Australia Day.
