Melbourne City Council will likely advocate for the federal government to change the date of Australia Day while still holding citizenship ceremonies and activities on January 26.
A statement released by the council said councillors would consider an options paper that showed strong support for the change of date at a meeting next week.
The move follows an independent survey of more than 1600 residents and businesses, which found nearly 60 per cent of respondents want to see Australia Day celebrated on a different date.
“Council also consulted with the five traditional owner organisations that make up the Eastern Kulin, which unanimously support changing the date,” the statement said.
Council said they would still issue permits for events delivered by the state government and other organisations on Australia Day.
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Activities that acknowledge First Nations perspectives would also continue.
However, any decision to change the date must be made at federal government level.
Councillors will debate the motion and make further comments on the issue at Tuesday night’s meeting.
