Dutton’s Remarks on “Welcome to Contry” Ceremonies Spark Debate in Australia
CANBERRA, Australia – In the final week of Australia’s election campaign, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton ignited a cultural debate by criticizing “Welcome to Country” ceremonies, deeming them “overdone” and suggesting they should be limited to major events like the opening of Parliament.
Dutton’s comments came on the heels of the final leaders’ debate Sunday night, during which he and Prime Minister Anthony albanese were questioned about their views on the ceremonies. The questioning followed an incident where a small group, including individuals identified as neo-Nazis, booed a Welcome to Country ceremony during an Anzac Day dawn service on Friday.
While Dutton condemned the booing, calling anzac Day a “sacred day,” he broadened his critique to the Welcome to Country ceremonies themselves. “For the opening of parliament, fair enough, it is indeed respectful to do, but for the start of every meeting at work, or the start of a football game, I think other Australians think it is overdone and cheapens the significance of what it was meant to do,” dutton said.
Albanese responded by stating it was up to individual organizations to decide whether to begin their events with a welcome to Country,emphasizing that the ceremonies were “a matter of respect.” both leaders reaffirmed their support for maintaining Australia Day on Jan. 26.
Dutton has previously stated his commitment not to stand in front of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at official press conferences. On Sunday,he also said that schools needed to stop teaching a version of Australia’s history that “says that our children should be ashamed of being Australian.”
“We have made mistakes in our history, no question about that, but we cannot live with that shame forever,” he said.”We need to accept that mistakes were made and need to make sure we celebrate our national day.”
The 60-minute debate, the fourth and final between the two leaders, was held six days before the may 3 election.A panel of 60 undecided voters assembled by 7News overwhelmingly favored Albanese,with 50% voting for him,25% for Dutton,and 25% remaining undecided.
The leaders also clashed over cost-of-living policies, a key issue in the campaign. Dutton criticized Labour’s proposals, including a $5-a-week tax cut from mid-2026, as a “Band-Aid on a bullet wound” given the recent decline in living standards.
Albanese countered that the Coalition’s cost-of-living relief measures, such as the temporary halving of the fuel excise and income tax cuts, would “disappear in a year’s time.” “We need permanent change that makes a real difference to the living standards of Australians,” Albanese said.
Dutton denied accusations that he was distancing himself from Donald Trump,despite Labor’s attempts to draw parallels between the Coalition and the former U.S. president’s agenda. When asked to describe elon Musk, whom he called the head of Trump’s so-called department of government efficiency, Dutton said: “I think evil genius.”
In closing remarks, Dutton expressed confidence that the public would “vote for change” despite unfavorable poll numbers, while Albanese asserted that “in uncertain times we need certainty.” “The opposition have chopped and changed. australians deserve certainty. What we will deliver is just that,” Albanese said.
Did you know? The Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elders or Conventional Owners to welcome visitors to their land. It acknowledges the ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land, culture, and heritage.
Dutton’s comments have drawn criticism from some who view Welcome to country ceremonies as an critically important symbol of reconciliation and respect for Indigenous Australians. Critics argue that limiting these ceremonies could be interpreted as a sign of disrespect and undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and understanding.
Pro tip: If you’re attending an event that includes a welcome to country, show respect by listening attentively and acknowledging the Traditional Owners. You can also learn more about the local Indigenous culture and history to better understand the significance of the ceremony.
The 7News debate was the last of four leaders’ debates during the campaign. Albanese was deemed the winner of the frist debate, a News Corp-hosted people’s forum, while Dutton was judged the winner of last week’s Channel Nine debate by a panel of network journalists. The ABC did not declare a winner in its debate format.
FAQ: Welcome to Country Ceremonies in Australia
Q: What is a Welcome to Country ceremony?
A: A welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elders or Traditional Owners to welcome visitors to their land. It’s a recognition of the ongoing connection of Indigenous Australians to their land,culture,and heritage.
Q: Who can perform a Welcome to country?
A: Only Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elders or Traditional Owners of the specific land can perform a Welcome to Country.
Q: Why are Welcome to Country ceremonies critically important?
A: These ceremonies are important as they acknowledge the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and show respect for their ongoing connection to the land. They also promote reconciliation and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Q: Are Welcome to Country ceremonies required by law?
A: No, Welcome to Country ceremonies are not legally required. They are typically organized by the event organizers in consultation with local Indigenous communities.
Q: What is the difference between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country?
A: A Welcome to Country can only be performed by Traditional Owners or Elders. An Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by anyone and is a statement recognizing the Traditional Owners and their ongoing connection to the land.
