Mr Booth yesterday urged political leaders, including Premier Will Hodgman, to change the national day of celebration from January 26 to improve Aboriginal relations.

The move was welcomed by Aboriginal leader Michael Mansell who said it was only a matter of time before political and civic leaders promoted an Australia Day date change.

‘‘The more people who question it, the more likely it is that we can move the date. Australia is the only country in the world that chooses a date for the coming of the white race as a date for its national day,’’ Mr Mansell said.

‘‘If Will Hodgman thinks there is a co-operative approach then Tasmania could lead the way and you only need one state to stand up in 2015 and say this date is the wrong date we need to change it around the country, and then all the other states will follow.’’

Mr Hodgman  acknowledged the concerns of some in the Aboriginal community, but could not support a change.

‘‘This does not in any way lessen our intention to pursue a number of reforms to advance reconciliation including supporting constitutional recognition and consulting on the draft World Heritage Area management plan,’’ he said.

Mr Booth said January 26 was an invasion day for Aboriginal people.

‘‘The Greens welcome the Premier’s commitment to placing Aboriginal land transfers back on the state table, but we also urge Mr Hodgman to have the courage to place on the national agenda the need to shift the Australia Day date,’’ Mr Booth said.