A major pub group, Australian Venue Co, is under fire for refusing to acknowledge Australia Day, instead encouraging patrons to celebrate the “long weekend”.
Despite the backlash, the company remains tight-lipped on whether it will impose public holiday charges on customers.
A History of Controversy
Last month, Australian Venue Co faced widespread criticism for banning Australia Day celebrations, citing that it “causes sadness” and “hurt” for some patrons and staff.
The company issued an apology, stating that it wasn’t their intention to offend anyone.
However, their actions have been seen as hypocritical, with many accusing them of being “un-Australian” and “ashamed” of the national holiday.
A Call to Action
Indigenous leader Warren Mundine has accused the pubs group of being “dreadful human beings”, saying “they don’t mind taking our money but they just don’t like us”.
He’s calling on Australians to show their patriotism by celebrating Australia Day and supporting businesses that aren’t afraid to acknowledge the holiday.
Wurundjeri man Ian Hunter has also urged Australians to “celebrate it and commemorate it (January 26)”.
The Community Reacts
A new poll has revealed a surge in support for celebrating Australia Day on January 26, with many Aussies saying they’ll “vote with their wallets and their feet” and take their business elsewhere.
Iconic Australian businessman Dick Smith has labelled the ban on mentioning Australia Day as “very un-Australian”.
Cook MP Simon Kennedy has also weighed in, saying “I think many proud Australians will take their business elsewhere”.
The Bottom Line
The Hong Kong-owned company has refused to respond to questions about whether it will impose a public holiday surcharge on Australia Day.
Australian Taxpayers Alliance president Brian Marlow is calling on the company to give customers a straight answer, saying “if they are going to whack a surcharge on, they should be celebrating Australia Day and everything that makes this country so great”.
With the debate raging on, one thing is clear: Aussies won’t be silenced on their right to celebrate their national holiday.