DICK SMITH CALLS FOR A BETTER AUSTRALIA DAY

Chairperson Evelyn Scott today welcomed the Australian businessman and Ambassador for Reconciliation, Dick Smith�s, call for a more appropriate date for Australia Day.

Last week, Mr Smith wrote a letter to members in the Australian Geographic magazine, asking all Australians to think of an alternative date to January 26 to celebrate Australia Day. He called on all Australians to think of a different date that both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and the wider Australian community could share as a significant, special day for the country.

Mr Smith wrote: "Understandably, many Aboriginal people don�t see 26 January � the day Governor Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788 � as a cause for celebration. Today in more enlightened times, we know that Australia wasn�t settled on a particular date 212 years ago, but through the migration of people, more than 40,000 years before that." "I don�t have any particular alternative date in mind � that�s open for discussion. I do, however, feel strongly that Australia Day should be a day of celebration for all Australians," Mr Smith said.

Ms Scott applauded Mr Smith�s characteristically practical approach to reconciliation. She said that the Council had not adopted a policy on the Australia Day issue. "However, as Council Chair and an Indigenous person, I welcome an Australian of Mr Smith�s prominence opening up this issue for discussion," Ms Scott said. "I hope this initiative starts a serious national debate on this issue.

"A day as symbolic and important to our national pride as Australia Day should indeed be celebrated by all Australians on a date which is significant to all of us � and which can support the reconciliation process we so desperately need. "I thank Mr Smith for his contribution, and I hope Australians will be able to celebrate together our national day in the years to come." NB: Mr Smith�s letter is published in the latest Members� Newsletter in the Australian Geographic. A copy follows this media release and can be published.

30 November 1999

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