Changing the date of Australia Day would help heal the trauma that causes so many issues in Indigenous communities, according to prominent campaigner Joe Williams.
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The former rugby league and boxing star now works in the field of mental health and equal rights, and he made national headlines when he refused to stand for the national anthem when winning Wagga’s citizen of the year gong two years ago.
Mr Williams said he will spend January 26 dancing and celebrating the survival of his culture rather than partake in any official Australia Day celebrations.
Indigenous MP Ken Wyatt this week suggested changing the date when Australia eventually becomes a republic, but Mr Williams is adamant change needs to happen as soon as possible.
“We’re heading in the right direction with this debate, but there’s still a way to go,” Mr Williams said.
“Having the debate every year, Triple J changing the Hottest 100 date, things like that show we’re getting there slowly.
“Changing the date of Australia Day would help heal the trauma suffered by generations of our people that has been passed down.
“I keep saying it to people. We want to celebrate how great a country Australia is with everyone but we can’t do it on January 26.
“For a lot of our people that date signifies invasion, attempts to wipe our people out.
“How would people feel today if someone landed here, changed the laws, changed the language, stole children. Would it be accepted? Would people just move on?
“For me May 27, when the referendum happened to declare we were no longer categorised as plants and animals, as a date everyone can celebrate together.
