A recent poll has shed light on the controversial Welcome to Country ceremonies, with a whopping two-thirds of respondents voting to scrap them altogether.
The survey, which garnered nearly 50,000 responses, reveals a significant divide in public opinion on the issue.
The Backlash Against Welcome to Country Ceremonies
The poll’s findings come amid a heated debate sparked by the booing of Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown during a recent Anzac Day Dawn Service in Melbourne.
While both sides of politics have condemned the actions of neo-Nazis involved in the incident, the Liberal Party has previously expressed its intention to scale back the ceremonies.
Frontbencher Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has gone so far as to say that people are “sick of” the tradition.
The Poll Results: A Clear Majority
So, what do Aussies really think about Welcome to Country ceremonies? The poll results are telling:
- 65% of respondents believe they should stop completely
- 23% think there should be fewer ceremonies
- 8% believe the current number is just right
- A mere 4% want to see more ceremonies
High-Profile Critics
Price is not alone in her criticism of the tradition. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has also expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that he’s “getting a little bit sick of Welcomes to Country” because they “belong to all of us, not just to some of us.”
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also voiced his reservations, suggesting that the repeated acknowledgments can detract from their significance.
The Case for a More Inclusive Approach
Senator Price has argued that the tradition has become “divisive,” implying that non-Indigenous Australians are being told “this isn’t your country.”
Instead, she believes that acknowledging the country’s history should be done in a way that promotes unity and inclusivity. With many Aussies seemingly sharing her concerns, it’s clear that the debate is far from over.
Condemnation and Consequences
In the wake of the Melbourne incident, Victoria Police have confirmed that the man responsible for leading the booing is expected to face charges.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also weighed in, condemning the actions as “abhorrent, un-Australian, and disgraceful.”
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Welcome to Country debate is a complex and contentious issue that won’t be resolved anytime soon.