Our Statement on 26 January

26 January is not a day for celebration. For First Nations peoples, this date is intertwined with a long history and ongoing impacts of injustices, violence, dispossession, suppression of culture, language, and identity. It is a day for mourning, listening, truth telling, and reflection.  

In Victoria, the Treaty process is now underway. It is an important step forward, led by First Peoples, towards recognising rights, shifting power, and supporting self-determination. Treaty matters and so does how we show up day to day. Progress also relies on the efforts of individuals, organisations, and communities through listening, learning, and respectful action, especially on days like this. 

In solidarity with First Nations peoples, the Leadership Victoria office will remain open on 26 January. Staff will work regular hours on the public holiday and taking leave on another day We are doing this to acknowledge the truth of what the day represents, and to make space for learning and meaningful conversations about our shared history and our shared responsibility. 

We encourage the Leadership Victoria community to take action in your own communities, organisations and sectors, including learning from First Nations perspectives, supporting self-determination, and contributing to a future where culture, truth, and respect is celebrated and honoured as part of a reconciled Australia. 

We also encourage the Australian Government to find a different date to observe Australia Day, which should be an important opportunity for celebration by every Australian. Consider signing the Not a Date to Celebrate Petition, led by Clothing The Gaps, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to reconsider changing the date.