A bizarre incident at a work meeting has sparked controversy, with a businessman slamming his boss for forcing employees to perform an Acknowledgement of Country ritual.
The worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald Sun that it was “comical” to watch and that he felt pressured to join his colleagues in the ritual.
A childhood educator also spoke out, saying that “progressive” workers, the government, and peak bodies are pushing for the acknowledgements to be performed in the private sector.
Australians Weigh In on Welcome to Country Ceremonies
A recent survey by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) found that 56% of Australians believe Welcome to Country ceremonies have become divisive.
Only 17% disagreed. The survey asked 1,005 Australians whether Welcome to Country ceremonies had become divisive, with a significant majority expressing their concerns.
Interestingly, a larger proportion of Australians said the practice should continue before sporting events and ceremonies like ANZAC Dawn Services.
However, almost half (49%) said the Welcome to Country ceremonies should no longer take place before sports games.
What’s the Difference Between Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country?
An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement that can be delivered by anyone to show respect for the Traditional Owners of the land.
On the other hand, a Welcome to Country is a formal ceremony conducted by an Elder or Traditional Owner of the land, granting permission for others to be on their Country.
Australian Woman Wins Unfair Dismissal Case Over Acknowledgement of Country
Last week, a Darebin City Council worker won an unfair dismissal case after being sacked for objecting to land acknowledgements before work meetings.
Shaun Turner told the meeting that he believed the ceremony was “overdone” and that people were “losing it”. Council officers investigated Mr. Turner’s alleged “serious misconduct”, but he ultimately won his case.
Acknowledgement of Country Ceremonies Take Center Stage in Federal Election
The ceremonies took a central place in the lead-up to the May 3 Federal election. Then-Coalition leader Peter Dutton said he wanted to unite the country under one flag and maintained that the ceremonies were “overdone”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said individual organisations should decide whether to open events with a Welcome, saying the ceremonies were a “matter of respect”.
Protesters Boo Welcome to Country Ceremony at Anzac Day Service
During the Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne, a group of protesters booed the Welcome to Country ceremony.
The incident sparked controversy, with some accusing the protesters of disrespecting Indigenous Australians. However, others argued that the ceremony was not relevant to the Anzac Day service.