Bill Debate · Second Reading

Australia Day Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 1 September 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned the Australia Day Bill 2025, which sought to formally recognise 26 January as Australia's national day in federal law. The bill proposed that any change to the date would require a national plebiscite, mirroring protections for the national flag and Anzac Day. Henry Pike argued that the legislation would protect the date from political alteration and reflect the will of the majority. As the only speaker, Pike moved the second reading, framing the issue as one of national identity and democratic mandate.

Outcome

The second reading motion was moved by Henry Pike, but the transcript does not record the final vote or passage of the bill.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Henry Pike (Bowman) (Liberal National Party) LNP

Pike argued that the bill would formally establish 26 January as the national day in federal law, preventing future governments from changing or abolishing the date without a national plebiscite. Pike stated that the proposal was supported by over 50,000 Australians and reflected consistent polling showing majority support for the current date. Pike drew parallels to the Flags Act 1953 and the Anzac Day Act 1983, noting that similar legislative protections had preserved national symbols for decades. Pike contended that the bill would end ongoing debates by entrusting the decision to the Australian people rather than politicians or special interest groups.