Poll Shows Significant Increase in Support for Australia Day

Recent polling indicates a significant rise in public support for Australia Day, solidifying its date of January 26. The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) has unveiled that 76% of Australians favor retaining this date, an increase from 69% in 2025.

Shifts in Public Opinion on Australia Day

The shift in support comes with a notable decrease in opposition to the date. Currently, only 10% of Australians oppose Australia Day on January 26, a decline from 14% in 2025 and 17% in 2024. Among younger Australians, the support is even more pronounced.

Support Among Young Australians

• 83% of Australians aged 18–24 now favor January 26 as Australia Day.
• This figure has risen significantly from just 52% in 2025 and 42% in 2024.

Daniel Wild, deputy executive director of the IPA, remarked on the polling results. He stated that the debate surrounding Australia Day is effectively over and emphasized the importance of uniting around this national event. “Support for Australia Day on January 26 has surged again,” he noted.

Contextual Factors Influencing Sentiment

The timing of this polling is critical. It follows a recent increase in calls for national unity, particularly after the terror attack at Bondi Beach. Wild asserts that such events highlight the need for cohesion, making observances like Australia Day essential for fostering unity.

Controversy Over Research Funding

The backdrop of this polling is stirred by a contentious decision involving taxpayer funding. The Australian Research Council allocated nearly $1.5 million for a project titled “Change The Date? Australia Day, Reconciliation, and the Politics of Division.”

• Grant amount: $1.48 million.
• Project linked to discussions on potentially changing the date of Australia Day.

Critics like Acting Shadow Education Minister Jonno Duniam have expressed concerns regarding the use of taxpayer money. He questioned whether such funding should be used to bolster initiatives perceived as politically motivated rather than advancing wider research goals.

As public sentiment continues to steer towards supporting January 26 as Australia Day, the discussion surrounding its future is poised to remain a pivotal topic in Australian society.