Three words in Anthony Albanese's Australia Day speech divide Aussies: 'You stand for nothing – what a disappointment'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has addressed the nation to wish the country a 'Happy Australia Day' – but those three words have already divided Aussies.

January 26 marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the 'First Fleet' at Sydney Cove, which carried mainly convicts and troops from Britain.

For many Indigenous Australians, who trace their ancestry on the continent back 50,000 years, it is 'Invasion Day', the start of the British colonization of Aboriginal lands and their brutal subjugation.

Aussies were divided over Mr Albanese's use of the term 'Happy Australia Day', with some highlighting how insulting it is to Aboriginal people.

Author Lauren Dubois spoke out against the Prime Minister's speech.

“If you wish 'Happy Australia Day' on a day that you know causes so much pain and fear to so many people, you are being deliberately cruel,” she explained.

'You hear it directly from people, it is a day of mourning. And you laugh and celebrate their sadness?

'You stand for nothing. You haven't changed anything. You don't do anything. What a disappointment.'

“Invasion daymate,” another added.

A third said: Australia Day looks like a day of invasion, rape, land theft and colonization! I think it's time we change the date so it isn't so inflammatory to the indigenous citizens who endured the trauma.

A fourth added: “You are such a sellout. How did you argue for a yes vote, but then later support a genocide and wish you a happy invasion day?'

But many others supported the Prime Minister for recognizing the day, including some of his fierce critics.

'I have to admit. I'm surprised you actually said Happy Australia Day. “I guess sometimes you're not always such a bad prime minister,” they said.

A second added: 'I never thought I would ever agree with Albo but on this occasion I certainly do. Well done Albo (for once!).

Others said the Prime Minister did not go far enough to recognize Australia Day because he did not carry or show an Australian flag in the video.

'Where's the Australian flag?' someone said.

“Do you have an Australian flag or is that too hateful, mate?” someone else wrote.

In his Australia Day message, Albanese extended his thoughts to Australians dealing with natural disasters after tens of thousands of Queenslanders were left without power after Tropical Cyclone Kirrily made landfall overnight.

He also paid respect to Australia's indigenous roots and the country's migration history, which has contributed to the country's diverse population.

“My fellow Australians, as many of us celebrate Australia Day today, our first thoughts are with the communities battling natural disasters,” he began.

“Seeing people work together to save lives and rebuild homes and businesses is a powerful reminder that the worst of times reveals the best of Australian character.”

Mr Albanese added that “compassion, respect, courage and kindness” are at the “core of our national identity” and are the “foundation of our national success”.

He said it is these values ​​that we pay tribute to on Australia Day and with everything happening around the world today, Australians can be proud of how our 'diversity strengthens our unity'.

“This starts with the unique privilege we have of being home to the oldest continuing culture on Earth,” he said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have loved and cared for this country for more than 65,000 years, and they continue to uplift our nation.”

“And for generations, people from all parts of the world, of all religions, backgrounds and traditions, have enriched and expanded our society and our democracy.”

Mr Albanese said immigration has “contributed to our national spirit of aspiration and endeavour”, as migrants “embrace Australia's determination to create better lives and greater opportunities for our children and grandchildren”.

He said Australia's story of integrating people who have migrated from around the world will continue on Friday as thousands take the pledge of citizenship at ceremonies across the country.

Mr Albanese said while Australia Day is a date to reflect on how fortunate Australians are to live in the greatest country in the world, he said the “fairness, democracy and community harmony we cherish” is not down to luck – but rather to our shared values.

These values, he said, are the product of “generations of hard work, sacrifice and collaboration”, as he paid special tribute to those who have served Australia in the armed forces.

Concluding his speech, Mr Albanese called on Australians to see how our differences and cooperation have contributed to our country's prosperity.

'We built everything we have together. We cherish that. We celebrate that. And above all, each of us has the opportunity to add to it,” he said.

'By working together we can make this country even better, stronger and fairer.

'Happy Australia Day.'

In 2019, Kado Muir, a leading advocate for Aboriginal culture, heritage and consciousness, said the phrase was an “ignorant gesture”.

“This issue is extremely divisive and sensitive for all Australians,” Mr Muir told News LTD.

“I know White Australia is guilty and vulnerable. I know Black Australia is broken and angry.”

He called on Australians to rise above the “basic destructive emotions” in the debate and instead shift the focus to the aspects that unite the country.

Leading Aboriginal campaigner Cheree Toka said many people were swapping the term 'Australia Day' for 'Survival Day'.

She said National Day of Remembrance on January 26 was a sad day for First Nations people.

“Celebrating Australia Day on January 26 is insulting,” said Joe Williams, a mental health professional and former professional rugby league player.

It comes as the 'Change The Date' movement has escalated in recent years, as more and more protesters take to the streets of capital cities over the holiday to show their support for Indigenous Australians.

Tens of thousands are expected to march across the country through the CBD on Friday, carrying the Aboriginal flag and banners calling for change.

Major companies have also started to rethink their branding strategies as the campaign continues to gain momentum.

In December it was announced that 80 municipalities had decided to scrap citizenship ceremonies on January 26, amid growing divisions around the national holiday.

The move came next the Albanian government abolished a rule that forced councils to cling Australia Day ceremonies of citizenship.

Earlier this month, Woolworths sparked controversy after announcing it would no longer sell Australia Day merchandise.

“Over recent years, demand for Australia Day merchandise from our stores has gradually declined. At the same time, there has been a broader discussion about January 26 and what it means for different parts of the community,” said the supermarket giant, which also owns Big W stores.

'We know that many people like to use this day as a time to come together and we offer a wide variety of products to help customers celebrate the day as they choose.

“Woolworths and BIG W celebrate the best of Australia every day, and we are proud to support the farmers, producers and suppliers who work with us.”

Aldi later announced it would also not be stocking Australian-themed merchandise in its dedicated buying section this year.

The supermarkets join Kmart after the discount retailer discontinued its Australia Day merchandise in 2023.