100 signatures reached
To: Adelaide Hills Council Members
Support Councils Moving Citizenship Ceremonies Away from Jan-26
We, the undersigned:
- Support council decisions that foster respect and inclusion, and reduce barriers for First Nations ratepayers to safely interact with council events.
- Support councils conducting citizenship ceremonies within three days of 26 January as outlined in the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.
- Endorse Adelaide Hills Council’s 2023 decision to move citizenship and civic ceremonies away from 26 January.
- Urge Adelaide Hills Council Members to resist further consideration of the Jan-26 matter for the remainder of their term, and instead focus on constructive outcomes within its Reconciliation Action Plans and Strategic Plans.
In 2022, the Federal Government changed the law to allow councils to conduct citizenship ceremonies within three days of Australia Day.
As a result, many councils in South Australia have changed the date of their citizenship ceremonies and community awards, including:
- Adelaide Hills Council;
- City of Prospect;
- City of Mitcham;
- The City of Unley;
- City of Adelaide; and
- Port Adelaide Enfield Council.
These independent council decisions have increased safe access to council citizenship ceremonies, not limited it, and they have saved ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars during a cost of living crisis.
In 2024, the City of Mitcham saved ratepayers $16,700 by moving its ceremony to 25 January.
In 2024, the City of Mitcham saved ratepayers $16,700 by moving its ceremony to 25 January.
Why is this important?
Regrettably, the Voice referendum ignited a culture of disrespect and intolerance of First Nations people in Australia.
There has been increased racism targeted at First Nations people by those interpreting the referendum result as a rejection of First Nations people.
At a local government level, there are ongoing attempts to undermine council’s consideration of First Nations ratepayers, and decisions regarding 26 January.
These attempts are fuelled by divisive campaigns and disinformation designed to disrupt elected bodies and council administration.
They do not reflect broad community sentiment nor do they promote unity in our communities.
We urge councils to resist pressure to reverse evidence-based decisions that promote respect and inclusion.
We commend Adelaide Hills Council for their principled decisions and leadership on reconciliation as originally proposed in their Strategic Plan 2020-24:
There has been increased racism targeted at First Nations people by those interpreting the referendum result as a rejection of First Nations people.
At a local government level, there are ongoing attempts to undermine council’s consideration of First Nations ratepayers, and decisions regarding 26 January.
These attempts are fuelled by divisive campaigns and disinformation designed to disrupt elected bodies and council administration.
They do not reflect broad community sentiment nor do they promote unity in our communities.
We urge councils to resist pressure to reverse evidence-based decisions that promote respect and inclusion.
We commend Adelaide Hills Council for their principled decisions and leadership on reconciliation as originally proposed in their Strategic Plan 2020-24:
- C1 A community for everyone – that is inclusive, welcoming and accessible
- C5 Respect for Aboriginal Culture and values