A new national survey indicates growing opposition among Australians to Welcome to Country ceremonies at major public events, including Anzac Day dawn services.
Declining Support for Ceremonies at Commemorations
The survey, commissioned by the Institute of Public Affairs and conducted by independent research firm Dynata from April 23 to 27, polled 1,001 Australians aged 18 and over. It reveals that 49 percent agree or strongly agree that these ceremonies should no longer occur at Anzac Day services. Only 31 percent support continuing the practice, with the remainder uncertain.
Opposition peaks among those aged 25 to 34, where 53 percent favor removing the ceremonies from April 25 events.
Perceived Divisiveness and Broader Rejection
Sixty percent of respondents view Welcome to Country ceremonies as socially divisive, compared to just 12 percent who disagree. This sentiment is stronger among men and those aged 45 and over, with nearly two-thirds in the latter group holding that view.
The survey extends beyond commemorations: 60 percent oppose the ceremonies at sporting matches, rising to 69 percent among those aged 45 to 54.
Recent Incidents Spark Debate
These findings follow disruptions at dawn services in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, where hecklers booed Welcome to Country performers. One 24-year-old faces charges after allegedly booing at Sydney’s Martin Place service. The incidents drew condemnation from politicians, military leaders, and Indigenous figures.
Institute of Public Affairs deputy executive director Daniel Wild highlights a shift in public sentiment. “More and more Australians want Anzac Day ceremonies to focus exclusively on the sacrifices of our Diggers and drop these ceremonies, which create division,” Wild states. He adds, “Welcome to Country ceremonies are anything but welcoming. They have become hostile and a form of moral hectoring.”
Wild argues that objecting to the ceremonies honors fallen soldiers more than racial division does.
Political Responses
Defence Minister Richard Marles called the booing “deeply disgraceful,” emphasizing respect. “Acknowledgements to Country are an act of respect, and booing goes completely against that,” Marles told ABC News Breakfast.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor also denounced the disruptions as “inappropriate and un-Australian.” He acknowledged frustration with overuse, stating, “I can understand the frustration Australians feel. They are devalued by overuse. Let’s do this less and make it more special, but absolutely not boo.”
