Last month, Aussies were applauding radio station Triple J after announcing it would move its yearly Hottest 100 countdown from Australia Day to January 27.
The move came after increased controversy surrounding the date, which is referred to as ‘Invasion Day’ for Indigenous Australians.
The government-funded, national radio station said that although they didn’t take a view on such discussions, the decision to move the countdown’s air date was made to all Australians “could enjoy the event together”.
“It’s fair to say there’s been increasing debate around 26 January and there are a lot of perspectives on what it means to different Australians,” a statement from the station read.
LISTEN: Get out of every cool conversation unscathed with this handy guide for what to say when chatting about Triple J’s Hottest 100. Post continues after audio…
“In recent years the Hottest 100 has become a symbol in the debate about Australia Day. The Hottest 100 wasn’t created as an Australia Day celebration. It was created to celebrate your favourite songs of the past year.
“It should be an event that everyone can enjoy together – for both the musicians whose songs make it in and for everyone listening in Australia and around the world.”