The West Australian Premier has labelled the city of Fremantle ‘disloyal’ for its decision to cancel its Australia Day festivities in favour of a ‘culturally inclusive alternative celebration.’
The Fremantle council voted in January to cancel its Australia Day fireworks display, and last week released details on the new event which will be held two days later on January 28.
Calling the change “extremely disappointing,” Premier Colin Barnett said Australia Day ‘is now a day for all Australians” and any attempt to detract from that is a “disservice to our country.”
Fremantle mayor Brad Pettit told the ABC the change has strong backing from the Fremantle Aboriginal community.
