Despite threats of a boycott, ALDI has decided not to stock Australia Day products.
The German retailer had previously stocked various items with Australian-themed designs.
In 2014, some customers criticized the company after they branded a shirt with the phrase “Australia 1788” as racist.
In response, Coles noted that it would stock all kinds of Australian-themed products throughout January.
Following the controversy, Pauline Hanson, the leader of One Nation, released a statement about a major retailer.
MEDIA RELEASE | Australia Day under attack by out-of-touch big business pic.twitter.com/ByUZlat6cR
— Pauline Hanson ???????? (@PaulineHansonOz) January 11, 2024
She said that an employee at a store told her that the company’s workers were not allowed to wear Australia Day-related products.
This came after Woolworths also announced that it would not stock products celebrating the holiday.
While businesses such as Woolworths and Bunnings have virtual monopolies, they do not have the right to decide what Australians want to see on January 26.
Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, called on his constituents to boycott Woolworths.
"Signing up to the WOKE agenda of Anthony Albanese." ???? | Peter Dutton rips Woolworths.
MORE: https://t.co/20emG9RcVj pic.twitter.com/FQHTHiN2Tf
— 2GB Sydney (@2GB873) January 11, 2024
Dutton said the company’s decision to not sell Australia Day merchandise was against the country’s national spirit and national interest.
Murray Watt, the minister for agriculture, criticized Dutton’s call for a boycott.
He noted that Australians were considering how they can pay for their groceries rather than purchasing novelty underwear.
He argued that a boycott would not be a priority for most Australians at the moment.
He noted that businesses and politicians should be able to make their own decisions regarding what they want to see happen on January 26.
Ms. Hanson cited a survey that showed that over 62 percent of Australians want to see the country’s national day on January 26.
According to Ms. Hanson, any call for a boycott would only serve to divide the country by race.
She noted that the people voted resoundingly to reject this type of division during the referendum.
She urged her fellow citizens to celebrate the country on January 26.