Australia Day: Moving Beyond a False Binary

As Aussies across the globe come together to celebrate our national day on January 26th, the debate on the date continues. A national argument that sees two narratives compete: nation-building and achievement versus the displacement and dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

The debate regarding the choice of date continues year-after-year. Contention surrounding the date is understandable. Liberal pluralism allows for different perspectives and democracy depends on the freedom to express these. But the sentiments underpinning the contested date for Australia Day should not be mutually exclusive or in competition with each other, or we risk being drawn into a polarising false binary. 

Surely, our society has evolved enough to allow for both narratives to co-exist rather than compete. We can acknowledge mistakes and pain in our past, and also celebrate our nation’s progress and character. A question remains as to whether both can be done on the same date.  

Amid the ongoing debates within our borders, it’s important to reflect on how Australians and Australia are perceived beyond them.

Recent research by Advance Global Australians (AGA) reveals that Aussies are overwhelmingly well regarded abroad, with North America (91%) and the UK (89%) leading the charge, and similarly strong sentiments in Europe (87%) and the Asia Pacific (79%).

This positive perception is rooted in traits synonymous with our identity: friendly, laid-back, generous, and capable. Australians are seen as valuable contributors to the communities we join, excelling in areas such as agriculture, food and wine, sport, education, arts, and technology. 

Importantly, our reputation isn’t built solely on professional achievements but on the ethos of "mateship"—a uniquely Australian concept and cornerstone of our culture that embodies loyalty, equality, and unconditional support.  

A concept that can be traced back to early colonial times where men and women closely relied on each other for help. Traits we saw just last week in LA with the wildfires with Aussies offering accommodation to strangers - this spirit endures.  As it did in the aftermath of global tragedies like 9/11 where Australians in New York rallied together, creating not-for-profit networks like AGA to support, connect and advocate for our people across the world.

Australia Day, then, is not just a day for reflection on the past but also for celebration on what unites us, what we contribute to the world, and the potential that lies ahead. As former Prime Minister John Howard, a founding patron of AGA aptly stated recently, "The sky’s the limit for Australia. Australians can do well in anything they put their minds and their energy to."

While we acknowledge the complex and challenging aspects of our history, we should also recognise the qualities that make us a source of pride on the global stage - mateship, resilience, generosity, and a commitment to building connections across borders for a brighter tomorrow.

We should be proud of the positive impact Aussies continue to make globally, fostering friendships, strengthening communities, and championing our country’s success. We shouldn’t be afraid of celebrating our achievements, embracing our diversity, and honouring our shared values as Australians—wherever we may be in the world. 

This Australia Day, may we find unity in our differences, strength in our connections, and optimism for the future.

Kate McQuestin is the CEO of Advance Global Australians.