By Luke Voogt
Australia Day should be scrapped in Geelong for offending indigenous people, according to a regular political candidate.
“Celebrating the arrival of the First Fleet” was an “offence to aboriginal people”, said Socialist Alliance’s Sue Bull.
“We see the so-called Australia Day as Invasion Day and believe it upsets a number of aboriginal people.
“It’s not that you want to deny your history but I think there’s a difference between celebration and acceptance.”
Ms Bull praised Fremantle City Council for moving its Australia Day to 28 January this year.
“They’ve gotten rid of their fireworks and that type of thing because it offends the indigenous community.”
Ms Bull said her party members would attend Australia Day rallies in Melbourne.
“They’re all run by the aboriginal community.”
Labor Corio MP Richard Marles defended Australia Day as about “the values that make us the country we are”.
“I’ll spend the day with my family and some friends. I don’t think it’s a day for scoring political points.”
Local indigenous woman Anette Xiberras said Australia Day was like Anzac Day for aborigines.
It was a day to remember indigenous people who fought for their freedom, she said.
“It wasn’t until 1967 we were actually recognised as Australia citizens. Today we’re still fighting to bridge the gap.
“When Australia Day first started indigenous people used to throw wreaths in the bay to represent all the indigenous people killed by European settlers.”
But Ms Xiberras said she was not offended that people celebrated Australia Day.
“Two wrongs don’t make a right and, let’s face, it we all love a holiday.”
