With Australia Day now just a matter of days away, a poll conducted by Port Macquarie News shows that overwhelmingly more than 60 percent of people are in favour of a date change.
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In the poll 1415 people cast their vote.
Some 975 people voted that they were in favour of the date change, while 424 people said that Australia Day should remain on January 26 each year and 16 recorded an unsure vote.
The poll ran from January 18 until midday on January 23.
The poll results are in direct opposition to a large number of comments made on social media regarding the date change, where the overwhelming majority of people vehemently opposed such a change.
The opposition to a possible date change for Australia Day has also been echoed by both state and federal representatives, with Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker both agreeing Australia Day should remain on January 26.
“Australia Day is our national day and unites Australians—where we reflect on our achievements, what we are proud of and what defines us as a nation,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“On the 26 January our communities come together and celebrate what is great about Australia and being Australian, with the shared aim of making Australia an even better place for the future.”
“I’ve spoken to many local people in our community and the overwhelming view is that it should not be changed,” Mrs Williams said.
“In September 2017 I wrote to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council seeking clarification on their position relative to Australia Day activities and I am very pleased to say they have confirmed they have no current plans to make any changes.”
