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RSL Queensland is facing backlash over a new Country Acknowledgment to be read at Anzac Day ceremonies.
National MP Barnaby Joyce said the day was to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend Australia and should not be politicised.
‘Where do these things end?’ the former deputy prime minister asked.
A brochure outlining RSL Queensland’s planned program for Anzac Day, including Recognition of Country, was displayed on site. News from heaven on Thursday night.
“We, the warriors of today, recognize the first warriors who were the guardians of this ancient country in which we find ourselves today,” the statement said.
“We salute their commitment to an unbroken line of duty that began tens of thousands of years ago and continues to this day.”
The Returned and Service League (RSL) in Queensland is suffering backlash over a change it claims will “politicise” Anzac Day.
RSL Queensland brochure outlines new Country Recognition
Mr Joyce said including Recognition of Country in ceremonies would risk sparking a political debate about Anzac Day and “no one wants that”.
“I just don’t like the idea of politicizing Anzac Day, of saying, ‘Oh, we’ve got to have these things to improve, we’ve got to add additions to what it is,'” Joyce said.
“People in Australian uniforms who traveled overseas, who supported the defense of our nation, who paid the ultimate sacrifice, who were injured, who stayed, whose families fell apart, whose wives and partners left, this pain surrounding the necessary defense of our nation.
‘It’s about those who were wearing the Australian uniform and bringing in other items… where do these things end?
“You can find a virtuous reason to introduce it, but then, of course, it just leads to the next virtuous reason, and the next, and the next.”
“And we do something no one wants to do: politicize Anzac Day.”
Crowds seen at the North Bondi RSL sub-branch early morning service on 25 April 2022 in Sydney
The booklet states that the Country Acknowledgment was drawn up by RSL Queensland State President Stephen Day DSC AM, with the help of Indigenous Australian Army Elder Aunty Lorraine Hatton OAM.
An RSL Queensland spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the inclusion of a Country Recognition was not a requirement but was up to the event organisers.
‘This story was made about Anzac Day. “This is not about Anzac Day,” the spokesperson said.
‘Giving a Country Recognition has always been, and remains, the discretion of the individual RSL member or organization organizing an event, ceremony or service.
‘There are a variety of versions of Country Acknowledgments used throughout Australia, as well as different views on content, structure and value.
‘Some of our members wanted a veteran-focused option. “Nothing has changed other than adding that veteran-focused option.”
Some commentators expressed their discontent online.
“Contacting my local RSL to complain will not renew my membership,” said one.
“The RSL is in decline, not attracting younger veterans and is now waking up,” added another.