Several people have been arrested for breaking Covid rules protesting against the culturally sensitive Australia Day holiday.
For now, at least ten people have been arrested, and the arrests were made in Sydney at a rally attended by around 2,000 people, despite rules limiting the numbers allowed to gather at 500.
The day is controversial as it marks the start of Australia’s colonisation.
On 26 January, Australia Day is celebrated as the anniversary of Britain’s First Fleet arriving in Sydney in 1788.
Branded by its critics as “Invasion Day”, it attracts annual protest rallies drawing attention to the injustices faced by Indigenous people.
For years, a “change the date” campaign led by Indigenous Australians has lobbied to move the national day.
The official events marking the day contain a lot of acknowledgements of the country’s Indigenous past and traditions.
This year, the day began with a ceremony in Sydney that included traditional Indigenous dances and a smoking ceremony.
Covid concerns though led to some official events being cancelled.