Calls to abolish Australia Day were met with cheers at Brisbane's Invasion Day march as the Queensland premier cited the state's COVID response as a sign of unity.
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Addressing the large crowd gathered in central Brisbane on Tuesday, organiser Ruby Wharton asked protesters if they wanted to see Australia Day abolished.
"That's what we're doing today, we're not calling to change nothing," she said.
Asked if the date of Australia Day should be changed, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there was more that united Queenslanders than divided them.
"Today we should look at where we've come over the past year with COVID, and the fact we've all worked together, we've all put our differences aside, we've accepted the advice and we are now able to enjoy our lifestyle because of the strong stance we have taken," she told reporters in Townsville.
Ms Palaszczuk said it was wonderful to celebrate Australia Day in the North Queensland city.
"We've got a lot to celebrate today ... our inclusiveness, our respect but also too understanding what has happened in the past, I think it's also very important that we acknowledge that," she said.
State cabinet will meet in Townsville on Wednesday and is scheduled to be briefed by Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young about Queensland's vaccine rollout.
Australian Associated Press
