NATALIE BARR, HOST: A legendary Australian entrepreneur is leading calls to change the date of Australia Day this morning. Dick Smith wants it moved and the name change to 'First Fleet Day', something he first put forward when he was named Australian of the year back in 1987. It comes as tens of thousands of people prepare to march in Invasion Day rallies across this country today, while many others look forward to celebrating the national holiday. Joining me now is Labor Senator for the Northern Territory, Malarndirri McCarthy and Independent MP for Fowler Dai Le. Good morning to both of you. Thanks for coming in. Malarndirri, where do you stand on changing the date of Australia Day?
MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: I've always said that we've got to change the attitudes. It really won't matter what the date is unless we get a better understanding across Australia around the history of this nation. In terms of respecting where we've come from, in terms of those who've come from overseas and made this place home, I think it's a debate and a discussion that we should have. But today we know that on the 26th of January, it always seems to be the time when people want to toss this around. It'd be nice to be able to do it throughout the year actually in a much more respectful way.
BARR: So, do you mean you want the date changed or you want it to stay?
MCCARTHY: It won't matter. If we haven't changed the attitudes of Australians. Like, we only have to look at the referendum, for example, and the complete misunderstanding that we found in people's understanding about First Nations people. So, we know we have to do so much work around the educational system, the curriculum, people's awareness of what the history of this country is. So, it's more than just about the debate of a date.
BARR: Dai, you fled Saigon. You lived in refugee camps. You come at this from a different perspective. What do you think of changing the date of Australia Day?
DAI LE: Look, you know, at the moment, the 26th is Australia Day. And until the Prime Minister, or whoever's in government changes the date, then we should acknowledge and celebrate Australia Day. I just want to say that, you know, in terms of the Indigenous community, I understand the pains and the constant thinking around this and Australia Day, and what it means. But I think we need to look at somehow that it is a uniting day to celebrate Australia as a nation- a multicultural nation. And I know that in my community out at Fairfield and Liverpool, a lot of migrants and refugees come together today because Australia has given them an opportunity to restart and rebuild their lives. And, you know, to go to your point it is something that, I mean, in the education system, we do have a lot of history and teaching around, the whole indigenous community and what has happened, since the First Fleet. But I think that we need to not make it so divisive. And I think we have to find a way to bring people together to celebrate Australia as a nation, as a community and as a conversation that we have to continue to have around reconciliation and NAIDOC reconciliation day is the way that we can have this kind of conversation.
MCCARTHY: NAIDOC is good, and if I can just add to that, I mean, those issues that Dai references in terms of, you know, the high incarceration rates of First Nations people, certainly the low statistics around health- this is why First Nations people will raise the issues on this day, in particular across the country and around the world to say that there are so many injustices still. But I just urge all Australians and First Nations people, wherever you are in the country, do it respectfully, peacefully, and let's appreciate the fact that we can do that in this country.
BARR: Malarndirri and Dai, great, and thank you very much. It's great to get your perspectives today.