Thousands of Tasmanians have gathered in Hobart’s city centre to march down Elizabeth Street, calling for the date of Australia Day to be changed.
“Australia Day is not ok, we won’t celebrate Invasion Day,” the TAC-led protesters could be heard chanting as Police closed off nearby roads.
Palestinian protesters also took part in the rally, joining forces with Tasmanian indigenous community members to promote their “No Pride In Genocide” statement.
A similar rally is also taking place at Market Square in Devonport, also organised by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
TAC spokesperson Nala Mansell says Australia is possibly the only country in the world which still has a national day of celebration on the day of it’s invasion and colonisation.
Meanwhile, several Australia Day celebration events are being held across the state.
Suspended Hobart City Councillor Louise Elliot is hosting a ‘Celebrate Australia Day BBQ’ at Hobart’s Legacy Park and the Sandy Bay Regatta is being held at Lower Sandy Bay.
In the north, the Circular Head Council are hosting an Australia Day fireworks display in Smithton tonight, while an Australia Day ‘Breakfast by the Beach’ event was held in Ulverstone this morning.
