In 1949 a separate Australian Citzenship became law, yet dual loyalties to Australia and other nationalities had been debated within discourse of Australian nationalism for a century or more. The mood began to change in the 1950s and 1960s as the British Empire shrank, surrendering all but colonial toeholds such as Hong Kong and Gibraltar. At about the same time, a loosely federated State network of community-based committees, created to celebrate Australia Day on 26 January each year, consolidated itself. Their origins go back much further, well into the 1880s and to the widely celebrated Foundation Day of the Australian Natives Association.

In 1979 a new national co-ordinating body took charge of proceedings. The express purpose of the National Australia Day Committee was to give Australians a patriotic 'shot in the arm' in a lead-up to the Bicentenary. The new body had the responsibility of advising the government on all aspects of Australia Day.

In 1984 the government upgraded it to a Commonwealth funded council with direct representation from each State and Territory. 

On 25 November 1990, the National Australia Day Council (NADC) was incorporated as a non-profit public interest company limited by guarantee under the New South Wales Companies code. The direction and management of the NADC is controlled by a Board of Directors.

The purpose of the NADC is to co-ordinate national Australia Day activities and contribute to the development of national pride. The state and territory Australia Day Councils and Committees are autonomous bodies which liaise with the NADC to form a nationwide Australia Day network.

The goals of the NADC, as set out in its national charter, are:
    to foster national pride;
    to instil in all Australians a desire to contribute to
       Australia's future;
    to foster local community spirit;
    to stimulate concern for Australia as a nation;
    to create an awareness of and value for Australia's heritage; and
    to promote the observance and celebration of Australia Day.

Source: 'Whose Australians?' paper provided by the agency;
        Commonwealth Government Directory, June-August 1995;
        NADC annual reports, 1992 and 1993
Historical agency address
1990-1996: Level 31, Northpoint, 100 Miller Street, North Sydney,
           NSW, 2060
1996-    : Level 6/379-383 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Previous agency unregistered

1979-1984: National Australia Day Committee
1984-1990: National Australia Day Council