Key Takeaways
- Several Welcome to Country ceremonies on Anzac Day were disrupted by loud booing in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
- Liberal leader Angus Taylor condemned the heckling as “un‑Australian” while acknowledging that some Australians feel the practice is overused.
- RSL Victoria, the Acting Chief of Army and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles all defended the Welcome to Country as a respectful acknowledgment of First Nations peoples and criticised the disruption.
- The Welcome to Country tradition, revitalised in 1976 by Ernie Dingo and Richard Walley, has deep Indigenous roots stretching back millennia.
- Indigenous Australians have served in every major Australian conflict since the late 1800s, yet their contributions were long ignored and they were denied veteran benefits after World Wars I and II.
Angus Taylor’s Response to the Heckling
Liberal leader Angus Taylor spoke on ABC Insiders, labelling the booing of Welcome to Country addresses on Anzac Day as “absolutely inappropriate and un‑Australian.” He stressed that such behaviour should never occur, regardless of the motivation behind it. Despite his strong rebuke, Taylor expressed empathy for Australians who feel the ceremony is used too frequently, saying he understands the frustration that leads some to view the practice as overused and consequently devalued. He urged event organisers to employ Welcome to Country less often, arguing that rarity would restore its significance and specialness.
Specific Incidents Across Major Cities
Multiple Anzac Day services were marred by disruptive hecklers. In Melbourne, Uncle Mark Brown’s Welcome to Country at the Shrine of Remembrance was interrupted by loud boos. In Sydney’s Martin Place ceremony, Indigenous serviceman Uncle Ray Minniecon—whose grandfather served in the Light Horse Brigade—faced similar hostility. Perth’s Dawn service saw Whadjuk Noongar elder and veteran Di Ryder disturbed by booing while delivering her Welcome to Country. These incidents drew widespread condemnation from community leaders and officials who viewed the actions as a direct affront to both veterans and Indigenous custodians of the land.
Support from RSL Victoria
RSL Victoria president Mark Schroffel publicly endorsed the inclusion of Welcome to Country at Anzac commemorations. He noted that the disruptors left before the service concluded, demonstrating a clear lack of respect for the veterans present. Schroffel emphasized that the overwhelming majority of attendees responded with applause and support, underscoring that the broader community values the ceremony as a means of honouring First Nations traditions and their longstanding service to the nation.
Military Leadership’s Reaction
Acting Chief of Army Major General Richard Vagg told ABC News Breakfast that the behaviour would upset serving and former members of the Australian military. He stated that “just about every service person, serving and past, would be upset with that type of behaviour. It misses the point,” highlighting that the core purpose of Anzac Day—remembrance and respect—is incompatible with public disparagement of cultural acknowledgments. Vagg’s remarks reinforced the view that the military regards the Welcome to Country as a legitimate and important element of the commemorative program.
Political Condemnation from the Deputy Prime Minister
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described the heckling as “deeply disgraceful.” He argued that acknowledgments of country are simply acts of respect, and that booing on a day dedicated to honouring sacrifice runs completely contrary to the spirit of Anzac Day. Marles’ statement added a significant federal‑government voice to the chorus of disapproval, reinforcing that such conduct is untenable in a multicultural society that seeks to honour all who have served.
Historical Roots of the Welcome to Country
The contemporary Welcome to Country ceremony was popularised in 1976 by Yamatji man Ernie Dingo and Noongar Yamatji musician Richard Walley, yet the practice itself is embedded in Indigenous Australian culture that stretches back millennia. The ritual invites both Indigenous and non‑Indigenous participants to pay respect to ancestors and cultural spirits, seeking safe passage for visitors. Its meaning is tied to the abstract spiritual concept of “country,” which encompasses the land, waterways, flora and fauna, and the reciprocal responsibilities of sharing resources, protecting the environment, and maintaining cultural continuity.
Indigenous Military Service and Historic Overlooks
More than 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples served in World War I, and over 4,000 contributed during World War II. Despite their bravery, many Indigenous veterans returned home to a nation that failed to recognise their service, often denying them access to veteran benefits, pensions, and official commemoration. Records show Indigenous Australians were first enlisted in the nation’s military around the time of the Boer War in the late 1800s, marking a long, albeit under‑acknowledged, history of defence involvement that spans more than a century.
Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Sensitivity
The controversy surrounding the booing of Welcome to Country on Anzac Day illustrates a tension between those who view the ceremony as a vital act of reconciliation and respect, and those who perceive its frequent use as diluting its meaning. Leaders across the political spectrum, military officials, and veteran organisations have largely united in defending the practice as a respectful acknowledgment of First Nations peoples and their enduring connection to the land. Moving forward, the challenge lies in ensuring that Welcome to Country is employed thoughtfully—honouring its deep cultural significance while avoiding overuse that might diminish its impact, thus preserving both the spirit of Anzac Day and the integrity of Indigenous traditions.