The New South Wales Minister for Multiculturalism says he does not think the date of Australia Day is controversial in Indigenous communities.
John Ajaka made the comments while announcing details of this year's celebrations at a press conference in Sydney.
The appropriateness of January 26 to mark Australia's national day has increasingly come under the microscope, amid criticisms it is insensitive to Aboriginal people.
The date marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at NSW in 1788. Some people refer to it as "Invasion Day".
Mr Ajaka described the date as "a day for every one of us".
"I don't see it being a controversial day, I speak to many Indigenous Australians and many of the leaders and I see them first hand with us celebrating this wonderful day," he said.
Minister John Ajaka Source: ABC Australia
Aboriginal leaders not happy
Indigenous Social Justice Association spokesman Ken Canning, from the Bidjara people, said the minister was naive.
"Maybe we should celebrate a home invasion at his place every year but we wouldn't be so rude to do that," Mr Canning said.
"We as First Nation people have a right to a point of view of history too and he is completely negating that.
Journalist Peter Greste, who is an Australia Day ambassador for NSW, said the day should be "continually reviewed".
"I think meanings can change over time and I don't have a problem with that," Greste said.
Date in the spotlight
In November, the City of Fremantle in Western Australia in favour of a more culturally inclusive alternative two days later.
Mr Ajaka said Australia's Indigenous heritage would be a key feature of the commemorations, which will also include fireworks and a free live concert on the steps of the Opera House.
Last week, the annual television and "disgusting" by some members of the Indigenous community.
The oft-controversial commercial showed the lighter side of immigration Down Under during the past three centuries.
