The annual Australia Day debate has kicked off with the mayor of a famous outback town pulling out of formalities, saying January 26 is "not the right date" to celebrate the nation.
Alice Springs mayor Asta Hill says she will not take part in the local citizenship and awards ceremony "on a day that causes harm to parts of our community".
The Speaker of the NT legislative assembly has described the mayor's decision as "disgraceful", saying it would offend many residents.
The major said citizenship ceremonies had become a highlight of her role.
"It was a privilege to witness the joy and pride people felt on becoming Australian citizens," Ms Hill said in a statement.
"However, like a growing number of Australians, it is my personal view that January 26 is not the right date to celebrate our national day."
Ms Hill said January 26 was a day of mourning for many Indigenous people, marking the First Fleet's 1788 arrival in Australia and the start of British colonisation.
"While I do not intend to stand in the way of others' celebrations, I do not personally want to play a formal role on a day that causes harm to parts of our community," the mayor said.
Ms Hill was elected in September 2025, becoming Alice Springs' first Greens-endorsed mayor.
Her call is expected to reignite debate over whether to change Australia Day's date.
Independent MP Robyn Lambley, the Speaker of the NT legislative assembly, called Ms Hill's decision "disgraceful".
She said traditionally the mayor always presided over Australia Day ceremonies.
"As the new mayor, who hasn't been around as mayor for Australia Day, she is making the wrong call," Ms Lambley said on Wednesday.
The decision would offend many Alice Springs residents and there was strong public support for Australia Day being held on January 26, she told the ABC.
Alice Springs' citizenship and awards ceremony will instead be conducted by Deputy Mayor Allison Bitar.
Opponents have called the January 26 anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival "Invasion Day".
A number of local councils across Australia have chosen not to mark the day, instead holding citizenship ceremonies on alternative dates.
