Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune says Anthony Albanese a ‘wimp’ for passing buck on Australia Day date debate

A WA mayor has called on the Federal Government to stop being “wimps” and take charge of the divisive Australia Day change the date debate, rather than leaving it up to individual councils to decide. It comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday refused to publicly weigh in to the controversial issue as it rages on for another year. Instead, The West Australian was directed to the Prime Minister’s previous commentary on the issue — including in July ahead of the failed Voice referendum, when he said: “We have no plans to change Australia Day”. However, the Albanese Government has given councils the option of moving their ceremonies to within three days before and after the public holiday, as the patriotic day — which marks the landing of the First Fleet — becomes an increasingly divisive issue. The City of Greater Geraldton has decided to keep its celebrations on January 26, holding a traditional citizenship ceremony as well as a public concert and fireworks display. Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune accused the Albanese Government of passing the buck to local governments in what he described as a “cop out”. At least a dozen Perth councils, including Wanneroo, Cambridge, Fremantle, Rockingham and Victoria Park have down-scaled or cancelled their Australia Day celebrations. Last year, the Albanese Government gave councils the option of moving their Australia Day ceremonies to within three days before and after the public holiday. But Mr Clune said the issue should not have been palmed off to local government. “They need to take the leadership on it. It’s a bit of a cop out from the Federal government to say you can do it three days either side of the date,” he said. “They need to be strong on it and take on the role, whereas they’re sort of being ... wimps on it I would say ... as a city, we’re not changing the date with any of our functions. It’s always quite a popular day for us.” Premier Roger Cook on Thursday said he was comfortable with local councils making their own decisions on whether to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies on January 26. Mr Cook said he would spend this Australia Day welcoming new citizens at the City of Joondalup, which has not moved its ceremony. “It’s a decision for the council in conversation with the Federal Government. It’s not something that the State Government is involved in,” he said. “Councils are responsible for citizenship ceremonies, which they do in conjunction with the Federal regime. Councils can make their own decisions.” Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas — who is widely predicted to nominate for WA Liberal preselection in the seat of Churchlands — has also accused Mr Albanese of passing the buck by allowing councils to choose. “Frankly, this idea of councils around Australia doing the Prime Minister’s work for him and driving his agenda is totally disingenuous,” Mr Zempilas previously said. “I say to the PM, if you want change, then you lead the change.” Mr Cook, when asked if he would lobby the Prime Minister to make a firm decision on when ceremonies should be held, said it was “a matter for the Federal Government”. “I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister on these issues, but I’m sure he’s got views and he will continue to clarify that situation,” he said. The increase in councils abandoning Australia Day ceremonies comes as Woolworths Group — which includes Big W — announced they would not sell Australia Day merchandise, with the company citing a decline in sales for patriotic-themed items. Mr Cook said the move was a “commercial decision”. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman said: “The Government has made it clear for a long time now that we have no plans to move Australia Day from January 26. It is a day that people can reflect, respect and celebrate our great nation. Local councils decide when to hold citizenship ceremonies in consultation with their communities.”