Overview
- Opposition Leader Peter Dutton stated that Welcome to Country ceremonies should not be included in Anzac Day dawn services, citing feedback from veterans who he claims find them inappropriate on that day.
- The Returned and Services League (RSL) of Australia contradicted Dutton's claims, reaffirming that including Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country is a respectful recognition of Indigenous Australians' contributions to military history.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the ceremonies as a sign of respect and emphasized that decisions about their inclusion should be made by event organizers.
- Melbourne Storm apologized for canceling a planned Welcome to Country ceremony at their Anzac Day NRL match, attributing the decision to a miscommunication and pledging to rebuild trust with Indigenous communities.
- The debate over Welcome to Country ceremonies has intensified following disruptions by neo-Nazis at Anzac Day services, with political leaders condemning the extremist actions and addressing broader cultural tensions.