Australia Day Protesters Vandalize Melbourne and Sydney Statues

Australia Day, a day that is meant to celebrate the founding of the nation and its culture, took a dark turn this year as protesters vandalized statues in Melbourne and Sydney. The protesters, who were demonstrating against the celebration of Australia Day as it is seen as a day of invasion and colonization for indigenous Australians, targeted several statues in both cities.

In Melbourne, the Captain James Cook statue in St Kilda was defaced with red paint and the words “Change the date” and “No pride in genocide” were scrawled across the monument. The statue of John Batman, one of the founders of Melbourne, was also vandalized with red paint and the words “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land” were written on it.

In Sydney, the statue of Captain Cook in Hyde Park was also targeted by protesters. The statue had red paint thrown on it and the words “No pride in genocide” were written on the base of the monument. The statue of Lachlan Macquarie, a former governor of New South Wales, was also defaced with red paint and the words “Racist dog” were written on it.

The vandalism of these statues has sparked a debate about the significance of Australia Day and whether it should be celebrated at all. Many indigenous Australians see the day as a painful reminder of the colonization and dispossession of their land, while others view it as a day to celebrate the nation’s culture and history.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison condemned the vandalism of the statues, calling it “disgraceful” and “un-Australian.” He stated that while everyone has the right to protest, it should be done peacefully and within the bounds of the law.

The debate over Australia Day and the treatment of indigenous Australians is likely to continue for years to come. The vandalism of these statues serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions that exist within Australian society and the need for reconciliation and understanding between different groups.

As Australia Day approaches next year, it will be interesting to see how the nation grapples with its past and how it chooses to commemorate its history in a way that is respectful to all its citizens.