Normally I tune out to this annual debate since it feels so polarised and stale, but the messaging from Woolworths, Cricket Australia, the Australian Open and others this year suggests big companies are concerned about an attitude shift within Australian society. It seems they’ve decided the inevitable backlash is now worth it because the silent majority has begun leaning in favour of change.
Is this just a natural result of this being the first post-referendum Australia Day or is there a longer-term change unfolding here?
My work let’s us swap the day off. With it being on a Friday this year I don’t think many are swapping. Plenty did in previous years when it fell mid week. Ends up being a bit ridiculous with everyone taking different days though.
I’m really not attached to it being on the 26th. I think shifting it to always being the last Friday in January or first Friday in February would be better anyway. I reckon most people don’t give a shit either way about the actual date and just want a long weekend in summer.
When I was younger it was always a fun day, hottest 100 party and the fireworks in Perth. Hottest 100, I don’t even know when they do that and the fireworks have been canned also.
Maybe if a new day is picked then it can go back to being a unifying celebration. Probably not likely though, I think those pushing the divide and conquer thing like having excuses for culture wars. Getting people angry about stuff other than the massive wealth inequality in our country is their priority.