Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a scathing rebuke to those who heckled the Welcome to Country at Anzac Day services in Melbourne and Perth, branding their behaviour “cowardly” and calling for legal action.
During solemn Dawn Services at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance and Perth’s Kings Park, a group of hecklers, reportedly including known neo-Nazis, interrupted Bunurong elder Mark Brown as he delivered a Welcome to Country. Their boos were quickly drowned out by the rest of the crowd, who responded with loud applause in support of the ceremony.
Speaking from Canberra, Mr Albanese made his stance clear: “There is no place in Australia for what occurred today. This behaviour is beyond contempt. On a day when we honour courage and sacrifice, these cowards chose to show hate and ignorance.”
He added, “The people responsible must face the full force of the law.”
A Day to Honour, Not to Divide
Anzac Day marks a time for Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who fought for our country. The Prime Minister emphasised this, saying, “Anzac Day is about unity, remembrance and respect for all who have served – past and present.”
His condemnation was echoed by other political leaders and media personalities.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as “appalling,” particularly highlighting the disrespect shown to Aboriginal servicemen and women: “To boo those who served this nation shows not just ignorance, but deep-seated hatred.”
Tensions Emerge Around Welcome to Country
While most Australians at the services were appalled by the disruption, some attendees voiced concerns about the inclusion of the Welcome to Country during Anzac Day ceremonies.
A veteran interviewed by Channel 9 journalist Mark Santomartino expressed his discomfort with the timing of the Welcome. “I’ve got mates who didn’t come today because of it. This day is about those who fought and died for this country. Being ‘welcomed’ to it feels like a slap in the face.”
Santomartino acknowledged the veteran’s view but challenged the act of booing during the ceremony. “Is this the right time and place for protest?” he asked.
The veteran replied, “It’s not the right time for either – not for the Welcome, and definitely not for booing.”
Neo-Nazis Attempt to Hijack Anzac Day
Among those disrupting the service was known neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant, who was spoken to by police at the scene. He claimed the Welcome to Country “politicised” Anzac Day and attempted to frame the ceremony as being “about white guilt” rather than national remembrance.
Crowd members shouted back, calling him “racist.” While one veteran claimed Hersant “wasn’t racist,” he still insisted the Welcome to Country was not appropriate for Anzac Day.
It’s important to note there is no suggestion the veteran shares or supports neo-Nazi ideology.
Police later confirmed a 26-year-old man from Kensington is under investigation and was asked to leave the Shrine. No charges have been laid as yet.
Leaders United in Outrage
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton joined the chorus of condemnation, saying the presence of neo-Nazis at an Anzac Day service was “a disgrace.”
“Our Diggers fought against Nazis,” he said. “That anyone here would try to glorify that ideology is disgusting. These people have no place in our society.”
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh made a similar point, reminding Australians that Anzac Day commemorates the very people who fought against such hateful ideologies.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called those responsible “idiots,” while also commending the broader public for upholding the spirit of the day. “The service itself was beautiful – a fitting tribute to our veterans.”
More Disruption at Canberra Service
In a separate incident at the national Dawn Service in Canberra, tensions flared again. Following the playing of the Reveille, one attendee shouted “Free Palestine,” prompting another to respond, “Go kick a landmine.” The heated exchange was quickly contained, but it highlighted the emotionally charged atmosphere.
A Sacred Day Deserves Respect
Anzac Day remains one of the most sacred days on the Australian calendar. It's a time when politics, protest and division should be set aside in favour of unity and reflection.
As Anthony Albanese put it, “This is a day for courage, for remembrance, and for honour. Those who use it as a platform for hate only reveal their own cowardice.”
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
