Sydney: Australia Day in 2026 was marked by large protests and counter demonstrations across the country, reflecting deep divisions over national identity, Indigenous rights and immigration.
Thousands of people joined rallies known as Invasion Day protests in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Indigenous leaders and their supporters described January 26 as a painful reminder of British colonisation and the suffering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Protesters called for justice for Indigenous people, an end to deaths in custody and a change to the date of the national holiday.
At the same time, separate anti immigration rallies were held under banners such as March for Australia. These gatherings focused on concerns about migration levels and national culture. Authorities closely monitored these events, as some groups involved in the rallies have been linked to far right views.
Police were deployed in large numbers in several cities to prevent clashes between rival groups. In Perth, officers cleared parts of a protest site after reports of a security threat. In other cities, brief confrontations were reported, and some people were detained for breaching public order rules.
Despite the tensions, many events passed peacefully. Marches in cities such as Hobart and Adelaide saw people walking through the streets with banners and chanting slogans calling for recognition of Indigenous history and greater respect for First Nations communities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended an Australia Day citizenship ceremony, where he urged Australians to stay united and respect one another even when views differ. He said the national day should be a moment to reflect on the past while working together for a fairer future.
Australia Day continues to be a sensitive and emotional date for many in the country. The events of 2026 showed that the debate over its meaning and timing remains strong, with voices on all sides seeking to shape how the nation understands its history and identity.