Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash has delivered a robust defence of Australia Day, arguing there is no shame in feeling a sense of national pride on January 26. In a recent opinion piece, the senior Liberal senator pushed back against growing calls to change the date of the national holiday, framing the day as a celebration of modern Australian achievement and shared identity.
A Celebration of Modern Australia
Senator Cash contends that Australia Day has evolved to represent contemporary Australia in all its diversity and success. She emphasises that the day is no longer solely about the events of 1788, but rather a collective celebration of the nation's journey, its people, and its values. For her, the public holiday is a moment to acknowledge how far the country has come and to take pride in its democratic institutions, rule of law, and way of life.
The senator explicitly rejected the notion that pride on January 26 is incompatible with acknowledging the painful history experienced by Indigenous Australians. She argued that a mature nation can hold multiple truths at once—recognising the wrongs of the past while also celebrating the present and looking with hope to the future. This, she suggests, is the hallmark of a confident and united country.
Pushing Back Against 'Change the Date'
Central to Cash's argument is a direct challenge to the 'Change the Date' movement. She characterised the campaign as one that seeks to divide Australians and instill a sense of national shame. Instead, she advocates for a focus on unity, suggesting that the energy spent on debating the date could be better directed towards practical measures that improve the lives of all Australians, including closing the gap for Indigenous communities.
Her commentary places her firmly within a broader political debate about national identity and history. As a key figure in the Federal Opposition, her views signal the Coalition's ongoing commitment to maintaining the traditional date of Australia Day. She frames the defence of January 26 as a defence of Australian heritage and a refusal to capitulate to what she views as a negative revision of the national story.
The Path Forward: Unity Over Division
In her conclusion, Senator Cash calls for a renewed focus on the positive aspects that bind Australians together. She envisions an Australia Day where citizens from all backgrounds can come together to reflect on their shared luck and fortune in calling Australia home. The alternative, she warns, is a path of perpetual division and introspection that does not serve the nation's interests.
Ultimately, Michaelia Cash's message is a call for confidence. She urges Australians to embrace January 26 without apology, to fly the flag, and to celebrate the nation's achievements. For her, there is no contradiction between a respectful understanding of history and a proud celebration of the modern, successful nation that Australia has become.
