A western Sydney mayor has called out “woke” councils across the country who are choosing not to hold their citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
It comes as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced he would reinstate the requirement for councils to hold their ceremonies on January 26.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a policy change in 2022 that allowed councils to hold ceremonies up to three days before or after the national holiday.
Since then, four of 537 councils have opted out of Australia Day ceremonies in 2023, followed by 81 councils in 2024.
Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone believes the town councils who walked out on the day “obviously had an agenda.”
“I think a lot of councils take advantage of the current system, in my opinion they are a little woke compared to our council, and they try to find an excuse not to celebrate it,” Mr Carbone said. Sky News Australia.
And I think it’s a real shame. In theory I agree it should be done on Australia Day.
“It’s not just about citizenship, but also about the awards.”
Premier Anthony Albanese made a policy change in 2022 that allowed councils to hold ceremonies on other days.

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone believes the city councils that abandoned the day “obviously have an agenda.”
Carbone won’t have to change anything if Dutton comes to power, because his council already holds its citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.
He said he agreed in principle with Dutton’s policy.
“It’s trying to instill pride and, in fact, it’s trying to value the importance of the day by celebrating it on Australia Day.”
“I think we all recognize and accept that it would be beautiful to have each of those ceremonies on that day, which is a very important day for all of us.”
He said some councils could face staff shortages and incur higher costs to hold the ceremony on the same day, but insisted they should “bear” the cost.
Blacktown councilor Allan Green told Daily Mail Australia that holding the ceremonies on January 26 was “the best way to celebrate our national day”.
“It is important that new citizens embrace our key values and feel the national pride associated with Australia Day,” Mr Green said.
“Also, there is always an indigenous component to the ceremony.”

Four of the 537 councils opted out of Australia Day ceremonies in 2023, followed by 81 councils in 2024.
He said Blacktown City Council has always held its ceremonies on Australia Day.
‘Councils that do not hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day are showing a lack of respect for the day.
‘These councils are being disloyal to our national identity. “It is an offensive and shameful act.”
Premier Anthony Albanese avoided a debate with Dutton on the issue, saying only on Tuesday that his local council in Marrickville hosts events on Australia Day.
“I will attend the national Australia Day commemorations (in Canberra) as I have done every year I have been Labor leader,” Mr Albanese said.
‘I hope Peter Dutton this year decides to join the national Australia Day celebrations in Canberra. “That’s what I did as opposition leader.”