At Tuesday’s Future Melbourne Committee meeting, councillors will consider an options paper for approaches to 26 January.
The City of Melbourne will consider options including advocating to the Federal Government to change the date of Australia Day, while continuing its support for events delivered by other organisations in Melbourne on 26 January.
The recommendation follows an independent survey of more than 1,600 City of Melbourne residents and businesses, which found nearly 60 per cent of respondents want to see Australia Day celebrated on a different date.
Council also consulted with the five traditional owner organisations that make up the Eastern Kulin, which unanimously support changing the date.
If endorsed, Council will continue to issue permits for events delivered by the State Government and other organisations on Australia Day, while supporting activities that acknowledge First Nations perspectives of 26 January.
Citizenship ceremonies would continue to be held, incorporating First Nations elements including an Acknowledgment of Country, and a community education campaign would be rolled out to help people better understand Aboriginal experiences.
The City of Melbourne is working to advance reconciliation and govern with Aboriginal peoples, however any decision to change the date must be made at a Federal Government level.
