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Thousands of individuals are anticipated to gather for rallies across various Australian cities today, as Invasion Day events unfold nationwide.
The date, January 26, is officially recognized as Australia Day, marking the occasion when Governor Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove. However, for many, it signifies “Invasion Day,” acknowledging the historical dispossession experienced by Indigenous Australians.
Unlike the recent measures following the Bondi incident, Melbourne’s CBD will not have an exclusion zone today.
“We will ensure a strong police presence throughout the CBD, and several traffic management points will be established,” stated Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill in a conversation with 9news.com.au.
He further mentioned that the police have been engaging “constructively” with the organizers of the protests.
Some counter-marches are also anticipated.
Recent polls, including from Resolve and Roy Morgan, indicate that support for keeping Australia Day on January 26 is rising.
Roy Morgan found that 72 per cent of respondents agreed Australia Day should retain its current name and date, compared to 28 per cent who disagreed.
“This is the highest support for Australia Day recorded by Roy Morgan,” chief executive Michele Levine said.
“There is majority support for Australia Day retaining its name and date across all age groups, genders, and all states.”
However, there remains a political divide, with most Labor and Greens voters saying the date should be changed, while Liberal, National, and One Nation voters hugely supported it.