Calls for a formal investigation into the ABC have escalated after the national broadcaster aired a satirical Australia Day special that critics say attacked national institutions and crossed editorial and classification boundaries. The 30-minute program Always Was Tonight, hosted by former AFL player Tony Armstrong, premiered this week ahead of January 26. 'Now our national broadcaster is further fuelling division in our communities with this rubbish.' Throughout the episode, Armstrong returned repeatedly to January 26, joking that Australia Day was 'not a date to celebrate'. One recurring segment, Captain Cooks, saw Armstrong searing steaks at a barbecue while suggesting Australia Day gatherings would be 'ruined' if discussions of genocide were raised.

Source: Daily Mail January 24, 2026 17:39 UTC