Pauline Hanson led the protest, which was criticized by politicians and indigenous leaders alike.
The Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect that acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which Parliament stands.
According to Senator Hanson, the party is opposed to cultural recognition practices, which she believes are “divisive” and “not about respect anymore.”
However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and the practice has been widely embraced as a symbol of respect and reconciliation.
The incident comes on the heels of a tumultuous year for Welcome to Country ceremonies, which have faced increasing criticism and even heckling.
In April, a group allegedly led by a known neo-Nazi heckled Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown during a Welcome to Country ceremony at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.
In contrast, Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan delivered a Welcome to Country at Parliament House on Tuesday, receiving respectful responses from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.
Aunty Violet emphasized the importance of responsibility and care for the land, saying “it is not just about being here, it is about caring for this land.”
Prime Minister Albanese praised the Welcome, calling it “an opportunity for us to embrace and to show a profound love of home and country.” Opposition Deputy Leader Sussan Ley also acknowledged the significance of the ceremony, saying it set the tone for the new parliament.
Cabinet Minister Clare O’Neil criticized the One Nation protest, calling it “disrespectful and rude and childish.”
The party’s decision to conflate the Acknowledgement of Country with Welcome to Country ceremonies has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it is a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts towards reconciliation.