Diplomat blocks Australia Day gala over colonial links

Australia’s top diplomat in Britain has blocked a gala dinner celebrating the anniversary of the country’s foundation because of its association with colonialism.

Many Aboriginals and some white Australians now refer to Australia Day as “Invasion Day” and have campaigned for the date to be changed so it no longer commemorates the landing of the first British settlers on January 26, 1788.

Stephen Smith, Australia’s high commissioner to the UK and the former defence minister, told The Sydney Morning Herald that the sensitivities the date holds for “some Australians” were part of the reason why he no longer wanted London’s Australia Day gala to be held close to January 26.

“It is well known that Australia Day touches on sensitivities for some Australians,” the