Greens and Invasion Day., page-32

It was originally called Foundation Day. It wasn't when the first fleet arrived (that was the 18th Jan). Australia Day is very unusual in that it was a spontaneous holiday chosen by the meek and powerless as their holiday. For a long time it had no offical recognition and it only slowly grew by the population making it theirs. It is by far the most important day in the Australian calendar because it is the people's holiday - it is not just some random date, but the holiday of the little people.

I wonder if the haters of our history and people would be happier if we kept the date and changed the name to Rum Rebellion Day.