Australia Day: January 26, Not Constitution Day

Australia Commemorates Australia Day on January 26

The question asks about a "constitution day today." **Australia does not have a "Constitution Day" public holiday.** Its national day is **Australia Day**, observed annually on **January 26**.

What Australia Day Marks

It commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson (Sydney Cove) on January 26, 1788, and the raising of the Union Flag by Governor Arthur Phillip, establishing the penal colony of New South Wales.

Controversy & "Invasion Day"

For many Indigenous Australians, January 26 marks the beginning of dispossession, violence, and cultural destruction. They observe it as **"Invasion Day"** or **"Survival Day"** with protests, mourning, and cultural festivals. There is ongoing debate about changing the date.

Actual Constitution Milestones

• July 9, 1900: Queen Victoria gave Royal Assent to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act (UK).
• January 1, 1901: **Federation** — the six colonies united as the Commonwealth of Australia; Constitution came into force. This *is* a public holiday (New Year's Day), but not celebrated as "Constitution Day."

Other Countries With Constitution Days

• USA: September 17 (Constitution Day / Citizenship Day) — signing 1787.
• Japan: May 3 (Kenpō Kinenbi) — 1947 Constitution enactment.
• India: November 26 (Samvidhan Divas) — adoption 1949.
• Norway: May 17 (Syttende Mai) — 1814 Constitution signing (also National Day).
• Denmark: June 5 (Grundlovsdag) — 1849 & 1953 constitutions.