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Dutton plans to restore January 26 citizenship ceremonies

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced his intention to make local councils hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

This decision will overturn the Labor-era rule which allows ceremonies to occur within a three-day window of January 26.

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If approved, the Coalition would enforce the change within its first 100 days in office.

Mr Dutton criticised the Albanese government for sending a message that Australia Day was something to be “ashamed of”.

“I think we live in the greatest country in the world, and I’m proud of Australia and who we are, including our Indigenous heritage,” he said on Monday.  

He also condemned Australia’s High Commissioner to Britain, Stephen Smith, for skipping an Australia Day gala dinner.

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Mr Dutton said the decision was “beyond our comprehension”. 

The date of Australian Day remains controversial, with some councils like the City of Sydney demanding for a change in solidarity with Indigenous communities. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded by noting that his local council still holds citizenship ceremonies on January 26, but the broader debate continues to polarise communities.  

Mr Dutton promised the repeal of Labor’s reforms would be a “sign of pride and nationalism”.

“I want us not to be divided, but I want us to stand up for what we believe in, and we will do that again, and we will have pride again in our country, and we’ll be our best country if we stand together.”

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