Government threatens Fremantle Council's power after Australia Day change


The federal government is threatening to revoke a West Australian council's power to hold citizenship ceremonies if it holds them on its alternative Australia Day on January 28.

The City of Fremantle has decided to move its traditional January 26 events because of Aboriginal cultural sensitivities.

Assistant Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke told the Freemantle council in a letter that the federal government would revoke its citizenship ceremony powers if it presides over one on its "anti-national day event".

"The government takes a very dim view of Fremantle City Council's decision to cancel their Australia Day events on political grounds," the letter reads.

Mr Hawke said the council was attempting to politicise Australian citizenship, which he believes is "unacceptable" and a possible breach of the rules on citizenship ceremonies.

The ceremonies cannot be used for political, partisan or religious expression and should be apolitical and bipartisan, he said.

Mr Hawke said the government was monitoring the situation and awaiting a response from the council.

Fremantle will celebrate "One Day" on January 28, with performances from musicians such as John Butler, Dan Sultan and Mama Kin.

The council describes the event as "an opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate the multicultural diversity of our country".

Earlier, Mayor Brad Pettitt said the council was not opposed to celebrations on January 26, but was offering an opportunity for all Australians to come together on another day.

Dr Pettitt said the council had heard "loud and clear" from local Aboriginal elders that it was not a day to celebrate.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told 3AW radio in Melbourne there was obviously some controversy about the date, as there was about most things, and to "stick with Australia Day on the 26th".

Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet of ships from Britain in NSW on January 26, 1788.



Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/12/03/08/51/federal-government-threatens-fremantle-council-power-after-australia-day-change#mSSVjPVs2pGLDStI.99