Indigenous organizers urge Australia Day rallies keep focus on First Nations mourning and sovereignty

Indigenous rights organizers in Australia urged supporters and allied groups to keep January 26 events centered on First Nations mourning, sovereignty and ongoing injustice, rather than using the day as a vehicle for unrelated international political messaging. The comments were made in the lead-up to rallies marking what many Indigenous Australians describe as “Invasion Day,” reflecting the date’s association with the beginning of British colonization.

Elizabeth Jarrett, identified as a Blak Caucus organizer, argued that the day is part of a long history of Indigenous protest and remembrance that stretches back to the National Day of Mourning in 1938. She said the purpose is to affirm Indigenous experiences and political demands, and cautioned against outside agendas that could dilute the message or shift attention away from local community priorities.

The debate over focus and participation has played out against a backdrop of heightened tensions about protests more broadly, including efforts by authorities to manage routes and crowd behavior in central Sydney. Police confirmed that an “Invasion Day” rally would proceed through Hyde Park even as protest restrictions remained in place in some parts of the CBD and nearby areas.

At the same time, various groups were expected to join or stage parallel actions in solidarity, including organizations advocating on international issues. Jarrett’s position was not a rejection of solidarity but a call for respect: supporters can show up without turning the event into a megaphone for other causes. Organizers said that without clear boundaries, the day risks being “hijacked” and losing its ability to communicate Indigenous-led demands.

Authorities were also reported to be monitoring public safety concerns around extremist disruption, adding to the logistical pressure on organizers. Yet the central message from Indigenous advocates remained that January 26 is primarily a day of mourning and resistance grounded in Australia’s history and present-day realities. They urged attendees to prioritize Indigenous voices, follow march guidance, and keep messaging aligned with First Nations leadership.