Locals storm out of meeting after City of Bayswater votes to move citizenship ceremonies back to Australia Day

The City of Bayswater council has decided to return its citizenship and awards ceremonies to January 26, after previously moving them to within three days of Australia Day in 2024.

North ward councillor Michelle Sutherland argued the ceremonies should be held on Australia Day to reflect their symbolic significance and sense of tradition.

The public gallery at Tuesday night’s meeting was mostly full with people waiting to hear the council’s decision.

Cr Sutherland described the Australia Day citizenship ceremony as a unifying occasion that celebrated national pride and welcomed new citizens.

She said celebrating the day did not exclude First Nations histories: “importantly, celebrating the day does not mean ignoring or excluding the stories of our First Nation people”.

“We can honour the experience of the people while celebrating the progress and unity of modern Australia,” she said.

“Instead of allowing this day to become one of sorrow, let us celebrate what unites us.

“Let us look to what unites us, not what divides us.”

Crs Anthony Pittaway, Steven Ostaszewskyj, and Calla Loiacono supported moving the ceremonies back to Australia Day.

“A citizenship is a significant civic milestone, and it is the moment that new Australians formally commit to our nation, its values and its future,” Cr Ostaszewskyj said.

“Australia Day is not just about marking a date. It celebrates your achievements and contributions of remarkable people and our community,” Cr Pittaway said.

Cr Loiacono said while there was a vocal and organised group opposed to holding the ceremony of January 26, there was also a “significant silent majority” who felt deeply that becoming an Australian on Australia Day carried “meaning, symbolism, and pride.”

Crs Cale Black, Donovan MacDonald and Nat Latter spoke against moving back to Australia Day.

“Reversing that decision today sends the message from this Bayswater council that we hear you and we don’t give a damn. It says ‘Stuff your reconciliation,’ is what it says,” Cr MacDonald said.

“Everyone should feel respected and welcome to attend a city event. It is a small step in our journey for reconciliation, which we are as a council committed to,” Cr Black said.

“I think it puts prospective citizens in a really yucky position; there are citizenship ceremonies throughout the year that aren’t tainted,” Cr Latter said.

Public members were seen storming out of the chamber during the debate.

Deputy mayor Elli Petersen-Pik amended the proposal to ensure ceremonies held on Australia Day recognised the strength and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders which was carried 5-3.

City officers said in a report hosting the events on January 26 presented operational, reputational, financial and stakeholder engagement risks.

They had previously warned hosting large public events on January 26 could present heightened security, financial and reputational risks. Councillors referenced these considerations during discussion.

This year the city held its ceremony event on Wednesday, January 28, two days after the public holiday.

City of Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti was not at the council meeting.