2016-12-03
Interfering with a decision by the City of Fremantle to move Australia Day celebrations is significant overreach by the Turnbull Government and should not be occurring, Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert and Lynn MacLaren MLC said today.
"The Turnbull Government threatening to ban citizen ceremonies in Fremantle because they do not agree with the City of Fremantle kick-starting an important conversation about cultural inclusivity is inappropriate, bullying and sets a dangerous precedent," Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
"I urge the Federal Government to unwind its threat and leave Fremantle to continue with decisions that it believes represents its community.
South Metropolitan Region candidate and Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren commended the Fremantle Council for not caving in to threats by the Turnbull Government.
"The City of Fremantle has weathered strong reactions to this decision but the fact remains that both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians have been asking for this for a long time - it's a conversation that needed to be had," Ms MacLaren said.
"There is strong tide of support for this move in this community, and beyond. People are genuinely excited about the free, culturally-inclusive celebrations planned in Fremantle on 28 January.
"The WA Greens commend the City of Fremantle for listening to the requests made by local Aboriginal leaders to #changethedate."
Media ReleaseAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues