INDIGENOUS Tasmanians have questioned whether AFL star Adam Goodes should have accepted the title of Australian of the Year.
Speaking at an invasion day rally in Hobart yesterday, Tasmanian Aboriginal community leader Jim Everett said commemorating Australia Day on January 26 was a celebration of the massacre and displacement of indigenous people.
Mr Everett said he had emailed Goodes not to offer congratulations but to ask the Sydney Swans player to use his influence to help establish a new Australia Day date.
About 200 people attended the rally on Parliament Lawns in Hobart, where activist Nala Mansell condemned Australia Day as a “race-based celebration” and criticised Goodes for accepting the National Australia Day Council honour.
“Some accept these awards arguing recognition of their individual efforts is recognition of the Aboriginal struggle,” Ms Mansell said.
“Their views are generally held but their acceptance of these awards has not made the slightest difference.”
Ms Mansell said 2009 Australian of the Year, Mick Dobson, failed “to have a conversation” and Goodes would fare no better.
Despite expressing pride at the bestowing, Goodes said he struggled with the celebratory aspect of Australia Day because it represented sadness, mourning and a sorrow among his people.
A large crowd listens to Aboriginal activist Jim Everett speak at yesterday’s rally. Picture: Leigh Winburn
Former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown used yesterday’s rally to call for a new date for Australia Day, suggesting the first day of spring would be more appropriate.
Dr Brown said a referendum could resolve divisions.
He said he was encouraged by how many people attended invasion day rallies each year.
“Let’s have Australia Day, but not on invasion day,” Dr Brown said.
“Let’s have a day we can all celebrate, every one of us.”
Meanwhile, Tasmanian Greens Aboriginal affairs spokeswoman Cassy O’Connor said her party was committed to working with Aboriginal communities to deliver a negotiated formal treaty with the State that recognised sovereignty.
Source: News Ltd