Perth MP John Carey ‘open’ to more inclusive Australia Day date after City of Perth announce Skyworks changes

Perth MP John Carey has said he is “open” to a more inclusive date for Australia Day celebrations after the City of Perth announced it would be scaling back its Skyworks event. Mr Carey said he would encourage the CoP to look at providing alternative attractions to ensure the city remained vibrant before adding that he would actually consider supporting a fresh date all together that could be celebrated by all Australians - including First Nations people. Celebrating Australia Day on January 26 is controversial because it marks the date in 1788 that Great Britain commenced its invasion of lands already owned by Indigenous Australians. “I do understand why people are against it, but I understand why other people have strong emotional connections to it,” Mr Carey said. “I’ve learned this about change in my political life ... you have to take people on a journey with you. You need to have an open discussion. People need to feel that it’s not just being imposed.” It came as Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas admitted the Skyworks were set to be scaled back next year. The 30-minute fireworks extravaganza over the Swan River will be replaced by a more modest display at Langley Park. There is usually a $2.5 million budget for the event, but that looks to be shaved down to $740,000 in 2023, according to the council’s newly-released events plan. Mr Carey, who is also a McGowan Government Cabinet Minister, said he understood things changed and needed to be reviewed. “I just say to the CoP that if they are gong to scale down the event, then what other events will be created for the city - to keep it active and vibrant during the whole year,” Mr Carey said. Mr Zempilas, who is also employed by Seven West Media - owner of this masthead, said: “It would be irresponsible to continue with the style of event that we had in the past when we know that it is possible to do it in a more cost effective and environmentally-friendly way”.