The Greens have enlisted the help of former Home and Away star Isabel Lucas to further their “change the date campaign” for Australia Day. The party continued to push its controversial agenda to shift local celebrations from January 26 yesterday despite copping hefty political backlash.

Greens MP and Aboriginal af­fairs spokeswoman Dawn Walker confirmed former Cairns woman Isabel Lucas was approached by the party to feature in a new video where Australians talked about reasons to change the date. While most participants spoke several times about why they were involved, Lucas only appeared for a one-second cameo at the end to say: “Now’s the time to change the date of Australia Day”. She wasn’t the only star to join the campaign. Australia actor Tony Barry was also recruited for the video. “It’s time to change the date, ” he said. Ms Walker said members of the public were asked to volunteer for the video. “We welcome the involvement of Isabel Lucas and other Australians in this important campaign and discussion, ” Ms Walker said. “The fact that someone with the profile of Isabel is prepared to get involved and advocate so passionately shows this is a mainstream issue and we welcome that her star power will help the campaign to change the date reach a much broader audience.” Lucas is no stranger to activism. She supports a list of causes, including Surfers for Cetaceans, Global Green Plan, Save the Whales, Sea Shepherd, Oxfam, Women Against Violcence.