Kyle’s Rant

HAPPY Australia Day. That seems wrong. Do we even celebrate Australia Day any more? And if we don't, why the public holiday? Aren't hospo businesses doing it tough enough without another day of paying staff an extra 30 per cent?

I saw on telly the other day they, whoever they are, were spruiking for another public holiday for the lunar new year. WTH? We even held the Grand Final public holiday in Victoria through the pandemic even though the game was held interstate. It's gone nuts.

Oh, and what about the Queen's Birthday? Apparently they, again they, are going to stick to the same day in June for the King's Birthday. Even though King Charles the Third (say it in an Irish voice, it's quite funny) was born on November 14.

And what about Queen's Counsels? According to the Australian Bar Association "persons appointed as QCs will automatically become KCs, following the accession to the throne of King Charles III". I wonder if there was good trade in updating business cards? Would KCs use Vistaprint?

We did nothing for Australia Day. Well, we worked, and we did go to a mate's place for a pizza evening. When I mentioned to him it was Australia Day, he added a couple of lamb chops to the mix.

What happened to the Australia Day lamb advert with Sam Kekovich? I Googled him and found there was one made but I never saw it anywhere. It's all about being un-Australian and creating a new society of various un-Australian people which is like the new Australia. My head hurts thinking about that but it's worth a watch.

It seems to be such a controversial day. Even Hepburn Shire held their Australia Day event on January 25 - but maybe that was to give everyone a day off? Not sure.

But why not just change the date? It was not until 1994 that January 26 was marked by a public holiday by all states and territories. So the public holiday side of things is pretty light on history. And the perfect time for the change would be next year - celebrating the 30th annual public holiday - but on another day.

Not sure what that date should be. Please don't choose November 14, that would be terrible because surely now we are closer to a republic than ever before. And please stop selling Australian items - thongs, singlets, stubby holders, all made in China. And do those sorts of items really represent Australia? Or is it just because it's summer?

I think it would still have to be a date in summer because nothing is more Australian than a barby. And with Covid, being outside is so de rigueur. It's a winwin. But can't be too close to Christmas. I reckon February. We have no public holidays in February and I have a few that might work.

First up, February 14 - Valentine's Day. A public holiday to celebrate Australia Day and mix it up with love. Perfect. Or February 20 - World Day of Social Justice. Just seems like it would be a good day. Finally February 27 - World NGO Day. We get a public holiday and also recognise, celebrate and honour all non-governmental and non-profit organisations, and also the people behind them that contribute to society. Which is what the Australia Day awards are about already. Sorted!

Anyway, I hope you had a good day off and enjoyed being with family and/or friends. That's what I see Australia Day as being about. Gathering with others, having a laugh and a bit of a feed. I think that's very Australian. Who cares what day it is.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, What, What, What rant over.