Fremantle's move to boycott Australia Day festivities sparks row

Sydney

AN Australian city's bid to highlight the plight of indigenous people by boycotting Australia Day celebrations on Thursday has ignited a rancorous dispute, raised fears of violence and could backfire on reforms aimed at engendering reconciliation.

Leaders in the western city of Fremantle have cancelled the usual fireworks and other celebrations to mark Australia Day, the anniversary of the arrival in 1788 of the first British fleet, moving the party instead to Saturday.

For many indigenous Aborigines, who trace their lineage on the island continent back 50,000 years, Jan 26 is "Invasion Day", the anniversary of the beginning of British colonisation of their lands and thei…