2017-04-06
Threatening to revoke the authorisation to hold citizenship ceremonies because the City of Hobart is daring to discuss moving Australia Day celebrations is significant interference by the Turnbull Government and should stop, Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
"The Turnbull Government bullied the City of Fremantle in the same way but Freo stood strong and still changed the date for Australia Day. Now the Federal Government is trying the same bullying tactics with the City of Hobart.
"The Federal Government should unwind its threat and leave the City of Hobart alone. It is bizarre that the Government has imposed this threat just because the City of Hobart has dared to even discuss change. They haven’t even committed to anything yet.
“This continues to set a dangerous precedent with uninvited Commonwealth involvement in local council affairs. I urge Liberal MPs at a Federal level to stop freaking out, this is a serious discussion that many in our community want to have. Changing the date would be inclusive of everyone who wants to celebrate our wonderful country.
“Well done to the City of Hobart for kick-starting this important discussion in Tasmania”.
Media Release Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues