Australia’s top diplomat in London has sparked outrage after refusing to hold Australia Day celebrations.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called on Australia’s High Commissioner to Britain, Stephen Smith, to “get on the next plane home” following Thursday’s controversial announcement.
The Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom will host several Australia Day celebrations leading up to January 26, but none on the day itself.
Smith said the lack of festivities at Australia House was because this year’s holiday falls on a Sunday, considered a quiet day in London.
Others believe it is part of a move by the Labor government to distance itself from the date the First Fleet arrived in Sydney in 1788.
The decision has sparked a backlash led by Dutton, who called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to intervene and order the diplomat to “celebrate Australia Day with great pride”.
“The Prime Minister owns this as the UK High Commissioner was chosen by his captain,” Mr Dutton told the Daily Telegraph.
‘The Prime Minister should pick up the phone and sort this out today. What other developed country refuses to recognize its national day?
Stephen Smith (pictured left with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese), Australian High Commissioner to the UK, will not open the Australian High Commission to the UK on 26 January.
Many indigenous groups have pushed for the date of Australia’s national holiday to be moved from January 26, as it marks the beginning of the colonization of Australia.
“If Stephen Smith is embarrassed about Australia Day, he should be on the next flight home.”
Celebrate Australia activist Jason Bryant, a former Australian Federal Police officer, also condemned the decision.
‘The decision taken by our government is extremely disappointing. “Our country is increasingly divided and it is crucial that we remain united as one,” he said.
“We love this country and appreciate the freedoms and prosperity we all enjoy.”
Smith, who was selected as Australia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 2023, will host three invitation-only events at Australia House until January 26.
A spokesperson for the Australian High Commission put the blame on logistics when asked if the avoidance of celebrations on the 26th was due to the controversy surrounding the date.
“The decision-making process was guided by the desire to maximize assistance to the UK and deliver value for money,” he said.
“The Australian High Commission in London hopes to host several events to mark Australia Day 2025.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured) slammed Smith for being “ashamed” of his country after the diplomat announced the closure of Australia House and his refusal to attend the annual gala dinner in London.
Invitation-only events will be held at Australia House (pictured) ahead of Australia Day, but it will be closed for the holiday as it falls on a Sunday.
Smith is no stranger to the Australia Day controversy.
He caused outrage last year when he announced Australia Day celebrations, including the annual Gala Dinner, would not take place at the Australian High Commission.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles later harshly criticized Mr Smith.
The gala, run by the Australia Day Foundation, has been an annual celebration of the relationship between Australia and Great Britain for two decades.
It takes place on the Saturday closest to Australia Day and is attended by some of the countries’ top political and business magnates.
Britain-Australia Society chief executive Louise Mulley said this year’s gala dinner, which raises money for Australians studying in Britain, will focus on modern Australia.
“Our recognition of ‘Australia Day’ is achieved through our participation in the Australia Day Gala to be held on 25 January in London, which does not commemorate the landing of the First Fleet on 26 January, but is a modern, progressive, diverse and inclusive celebration of Australia and all Australians,” he said.
Many indigenous groups and younger Australians have pushed for the date of Australia’s national holiday to be moved from January 26, as it marks the beginning of the colonization of Australia.
An Ipsos poll conducted in 2024 found that 48 per cent of Australians said the date should not be changed, while 27 per cent felt the holiday should be moved.