"Rallies and Debates: Australia Day's Complex Legacy"

Thousands of people in Australia marked the national day with "Invasion Day" rallies in support of the Indigenous community, calling for the dropping or moving of Australia Day celebrations, which commemorates the establishment of a British penal colony. Many Indigenous Australians reject the holiday as it marks the start of injustices suffered since European colonization. Similar rallies took place in various state capitals, with protesters advocating for a more appropriate day to celebrate the nation. Despite calls to change the date, the governing Labor Party has ruled out such a move, while two statues of colonial figures were vandalized in Melbourne ahead of the holiday.