Australia Day Protests Intensify with Vandalism of Colonial Monuments

As Australia marks its national day, protests erupted in major cities, leading to the vandalization of monuments linked to colonial figures. Demonstrators argue that the holiday symbolizes years of oppression against Indigenous peoples, with many advocating for a rebranding of the day.

 

On January 26, 2025, Australia Day brought forth renewed tensions, with many citizens opting not to celebrate a holiday they view as historically significant for its colonial implications. Protests across Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra resulted in vandalized monuments honoring British figures, reflecting the growing discontent regarding the recognition of Indigenous rights.

In Sydney, a statue of Captain James Cook, who claimed Australian territories for Britain in the 18th century, was covered in red paint and saw its hand and nose severed. This monument had been subject to similar vandalism in the previous year but was restored to its original state. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, protesters toppled a monument to John Batman, an explorer known for settling on land inhabited by Aboriginal peoples. They also spray-painted “land back” on a memorial dedicated to Australian soldiers who participated in World War I, showcasing the stark contrast between celebrating national pride and confronting colonial histories.

While some Australians engaged in traditional holiday festivities, including barbecues and gatherings by the pool, dissenting voices reflected on the tragic consequences stemming from the 1788 arrival of British fleets. For many, January 26 serves as a painful reminder of the indigenous struggles that followed, leading some to advocate for alternative observances, like Invasion Day or Survival Day, that honor the resilience and ongoing fight for rights among Indigenous communities. The day highlighted a widening divide in Australian society as the debate over the country’s colonial legacy intensifies.