The push to find a new date for Australia Day is gaining momentum with local councils encouraged to lobby the federal government to change the day.
Last month, delegates at the annual assembly of the Australian Local Government Association approved a motion for councils to consider ways to lobby the federal government to switch the date from January 26.
The association’s board met on Wednesday to consider the motion, agreeing it was an issue that should be worked through between councils and their communities.
Only 126 delegates from the 560 councils represented at the June meeting in Canberra voted on the motion, which was passed by the slimmest of margins with 64 in favour and 62 against.
Association president Mayor David O’Loughlin insists individual councils will have the power to consider their own positions on the matter.
