FEDERAL Opposition leader Peter Dutton has confirmed a Coalition elected government will make it mandatory for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

It would be a reinstatement of the Liberal party's policy that was activated under the Morrison Government.

However, when the Albanese Government was elected, councils were told they could hold citizenship ceremonies anywhere between January 23 to 29.

January 26 has long been labelled as 'invasion day' by portions of the community and there have been calls to change the date for Australia Day.

Several councils across Australia have chosen not to hold local achiever awards or citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day due to the conflict with the January 26 date which is synonymous with the arrival of First Fleet at Sydney Cove.

Alpine Shire councillor, Mayor Sarah Nicholas was unavailable for comment regarding the mandatory Australia Day ceremonies, but council can confirm that there are five people scheduled to be granted citizenship at this year's upcoming ceremony.

In the Alpine Shire, four citizenship ceremonies are held throughout the year, occurring each quarter: January-March, April-May, June-August, and September-December.

The first citizenship ceremony for the year will be held on Tuesday, January 28, in line with the practice of hosting ceremonies quarterly, prior to the scheduled ordinary council meeting.

This approach ensures the attendance of all councillors and allows the ceremony to take place in a single, central location, providing a streamlined and inclusive experience for all participants.

Independent Indi MP Helen Haines said citizenship ceremonies are a wonderful occasion to celebrate our newest Australians.

“It’s important to note that citizenship ceremonies are held by local councils at multiple times throughout the year," Dr Haines said.

"I take pride in attending as many of them as I can to welcome participants in their final step to becoming an Australian citizen.”

Australian Local Government Association president, Mayor Matt Burnett said hosting citizenship ceremonies is a great honour for Australia’s councils and they take this responsibility very seriously.

“We have to be pragmatic and welcome the flexibility to hold these ceremonies, as there’s a range of reasons why some councils don’t hold events on January 26, including extreme heat, staff numbers and costs," Cr Burnett said.

“As the closest level of government to our communities, and most trusted, it’s important we reflect and respond to the needs of our local areas.”