The First Nations Party says that, if successful at the October Legislative Assembly election, it would abolish the Australia Day public holiday in the ACT. 

Party leader Paul Girrawah House says the First Nation Party would compensate ACT residents by providing three public holidays at other times of the year decided by a survey and ballot of residents.

Some contending dates include the Winter Solstice, Federation Day, NRL Grand Final Day (from midday), Sacrifice/Services Day, Summer Solstice, Christmas Eve (from midday), and New Year’s Eve (from midday).

“Most people are well aware that Australia Day is a day of hurt, pain and invasion; Australia should be united in a new date,” says Mr House.

“Until that time, we propose to abolish the date in the ACT and reward the citizens of Canberra with one rescheduled public holiday and two new public holidays.”

The party also announced that Cooper Pike would stand for election in the norther electorate of Yerrabi.

Mr Pike was born on Wiradjuri country and moved to Canberra in 2012 with his family. He met his wife in 2016 and has two daughters; both were born on this country.

He has worked in the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet in the Indigenous Affairs Group, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. He has also worked under two federal cabinet ministers in Parliament House.

Cooper said: “I am running for a seat in the ACT Legislative Assembly to make my voice heard, to bring a Voice for First Nations people on this Country.”

“I also believe the policy changes that the First Nations Party stands to make in this Territory will not only benefit First Nations people but all families in the ACT.”

“I understand what it’s like to struggle with the rising cost of living, the everyday food shop, the cost of petrol, climate change, and when you finally get into seeing a doctor or a long-waited specialist appointment, how much the strain and cost that is. The mental impact this has on you as a parent and as a family in 2024. I want change!”