Australia’s top diplomat in London has sparked outrage after refusing to hold any celebrations on Australia Day.
Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton has called on Australia’s high commissioner to Britain Stephen Smith to ‘get on the next plane home’ following Thursday’s controversial announcement.
The High Commission of Australia in the UK will host several Australia Day celebrations in the lead up to January 26 but none on the actual day.
A former Labor federal minister, Mr Smith claimed the lack of festivities at Australia House on the Strand was due to this year’s public holiday falling on a Sunday, regarded as a quiet day for London.
Others believe it was part of a move by the Labor government to distance itself from the date the First Fleet arrived in Sydney in 1788.
It comes after Mr Smith indicated that he may not be in London to attend next Saturday’s annual back tie gala dinner to celebrate Australia Day, sparking further backlash.
Mr Dutton has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to intervene and order the diplomat to ‘celebrate Australia Day on the day with great pride.’
‘The Prime Minister owns this as the UK High Commissioner was his captain’s pick,’ Mr Dutton told the Daily Telegraph.
Stephen Smith (pictured left with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese), Australia’s UK High Commissioner, will not open High Commission of Australia in the UK to expats on January 26
Many Indigenous groups have pushed for the date of Australia’s national holiday to be moved from January 26 as it marks the beginning of Australia’s colonisation
‘The PM should pick up the phone and sort this out today. What other developed country refuses to acknowledge its national day?
‘If Stephen Smith is ashamed of Australia Day, he should be on the next flight home.’
Celebrate Australia campaigner Jason Bryant, a former Australian Federal Police officer also slammed the move.
‘The decision made by our government is extremely disappointing. Our country is becoming more divided and it’s crucial that we stand united as one,’ he said.
‘We love this country and cherish the freedoms and prosperity we all enjoy.’
Mr Smith, who was selected as Australia’s UK High Commissioner in 2023, is set to host three invite-only events at Australia House in the lead up to January 26, including a diplomatic reception three days prior.
An Australian High Commission spokesman blamed logistics when questioned by if the avoidance of celebrations on the public holiday was due to controversy surrounding the date.
‘The decision making process was led by the desire to maximise UK attendance and to provide value for money,’ he said
‘The Australian High Commission in London looks forward to hosting several events to mark Australia Day 2025.’
Opposition leader Peter Dutton (pictured) slammed Mr Smith for being ‘ashamed’ of his country after the diplomat announced the closure of Australia House and his refusal to attend the annual London gala dinner
Invitation-only events will be held at Australia House (pictured) in the lead up to Australia Day but it will be closed for the holiday as it falls on a Sunday
Mr Smith is no stranger to Australia Day controversy.
He caused outrage last year when he announced Australia Day celebrations, including the annual Gala Dinner, would not be held at the Australian High Commission.
Mr Smith was later slammed by deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
The gala, run by the Australia Day Foundation, has been an annual celebration of the relationship between Australia and Britain for two decades.
The event is traditionally held on the closest Saturday to Australia Day and attended by some of Australia’s top political and business moguls who now call the UK home.
Mr Smith indicated to event organisers last week that he will not attend next Saturday’s gala dinner, which is already sold-out, The Australian reported.
‘It’s great that the Australia Day dinner will happen again this year, albeit not at Australia House,’ former Australia Day Foundation chairman Phil Aitken said.
‘And it’s disappointing that I understand the high commissioner is unable to attend.’
Britain-Australia Society chief executive officer Louise Mulley said this year’s sellout gala dinner, which raises money for Australians studying in Britain, will focus on modern Australia.
‘Our recognition of ‘Australia Day’ is through our involvement in the Australia Day Gala being held on 25 January in London – which is not commemorating the landing of the First Fleet on 26 January but, rather, is an event which is a modern, forward-thinking, diverse and inclusive celebration of Australia and all Australians,’ she said.
Many Indigenous groups and younger Australians have pushed for the date of Australia’s national holiday to be moved from January 26, as it marks the beginning of Australia’s colonisation.
An Ipsos poll in 2024 found 48 per cent of Australians said the date should not be changed, while 27 per cent felt the holiday should be moved.
