Similar bodies emerged in other states, and a Federal Australia Day Council (FADC) was formed to coordinate their efforts.

In 1979, with the FADC's agreement, the organisation was replaced by a government-sponsored National Australia Day Committee.

[5] In 1985, it was renamed the National Australia Day Council, with former tennis player John Newcombe as president.

[4] The NADC heads a network of state and territory Australia Day affiliate organisations and local Australia Day committees and is designed to inspire national pride and spirit, and to enrich the life of all Australians.

The current chair is John Foreman (musician), and the chief executive officer is Mark Fraser AO CVO.