Melbourne's Anzac Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance was disrupted by hecklers booing during an Indigenous elder's Welcome to Country. The incident, which saw about 50,000 people gathered, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Police were seen escorting a known neo-Nazi, Jacob Hersant, away from the service.
Reports indicate a group of approximately 10 people were involved in the booing and heckling, which occurred during an address by Bunurong elder Mark Brown. Some accounts suggest the disruptions continued during a subsequent acknowledgment of Aboriginal Australians.
Political Stir Over Anzac Day Incident
Politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, have denounced the actions. Dutton stated such behaviour "has no place in our community and our society whatsoever" and called for police to act firmly against the disruptors. Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh echoed sentiments of condemnation, as did Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen, who described the conduct as "beyond disappointing."
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RSL Victoria president Robert Webster also condemned the disruptors, noting that the heckling detracted from the solemnity of the day.
Differing Views on Observance
Amidst the controversy, opposition leader Angus Taylor remarked that while booing on Anzac Day "shouldn't happen," he also suggested that the practice of "Welcome to Country" might be "overused." Taylor's comments surfaced in the context of the Coalition directing preferences to One Nation over an independent candidate in the Farrer byelection, citing a desire to prevent "teal policies" and ensure more housing construction.
Taylor stated, "If you vote teal you get Green."
Broader Context
The Anzac Day commemorations this year marked 110 years since the Gallipoli landings. Large crowds turned out for dawn services nationwide.
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The incident in Melbourne has brought into sharp focus discussions around Indigenous recognition and national commemorations. Meanwhile, in separate news, Victoria has announced a 20% rebate on car registration fees as a measure to address cost-of-living pressures.
