Big W removed in-store public announcements endorsing Indigenous Voice to Parliament after “feedback” from staff and customers.
The chain, owned by Woolworths Group, said it would continue to broadcast a Country Acknowledgment at its outlets, but would no longer make a longer version endorsing Voice.
Beginning with NAIDOC week, which began on July 2, Big W employees read a statement pledging the store’s commitment to the proposed Voice advisory body and its foundational documentation, the Heart of Uluru Statement.
“We remain committed to actively contributing to Australia’s journey of reconciliation through listening and learning, empowering more diverse voices and working together for a better tomorrow,” the statement said.
‘We reaffirm our support for the Uluru Declaration from the Heart, and its calls for a First Nations Voice to parliament enshrined in the Constitution.’
Big W has removed public in-store announcements endorsing Indigenous Voice to Parliament after “feedback” from staff and customers.
A Big W spokesperson said the aussie that the decision to scrap the second part of the advertisement reflected objections from employees and buyers.
“Based on feedback from customers and the store team, we will revert to the previous message of country recognition in the store,” the spokesperson said.
“We recognize and respect our team and customers have different points of view and perspectives.”
Woolworths’ Facebook page was plagued with complaints about political stance.
“I am strongly opposed to Big W making in-store advertisements supporting the Uluru from the Heart Declaration and telling customers how important it is to the company that they vote ‘Yes’ in The Voice’s referendum,” one person said.
Another social media commenter wrote: “Big W is getting more political and woke up and it’s time to boycott.”

A dissatisfied customer left a negative review of a pro-Voice book (pictured) on the Big W website
in june great w slapped a customer who gave a one-star review to a $12 book explaining how Indigenous Voice to Parliament would work.
The book in question was The Voice to Parliament Handbook, written by a key Voice architect, Thomas Mayo, and former ABC host Kerry O’Brien.
“Absolutely no details on what the constitution will change,” wrote the dissatisfied customer.
‘I was hoping to learn about what will happen when we consecrate the voice. Just propaganda and fluff.
The brand managers at the discount variety store were so upset with the review that they responded to the customer about their engagement with Voice.
“As a diverse workplace, BIG W recognizes the importance of National Reconciliation Week to all Australians and, as part of the Woolworths Group, we are committed to reconciliation and support the Uluru Declaration from the heart,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to learn together with our team, clients and communities to take action towards a more inclusive Australia.”
The poster comment got six thumbs up from them, but also got 15 thumbs down from those who disagreed with the comment.
Another one-star review called the book “absolutely appalling propaganda.”
“The two authors are all you need to see to know what this book is about, nothing more than race-provoking socialist ideology masquerading as a sign of social virtue, trying to shame people into voting for a constitutional change that will forever divide Australians into warring racial groups,” wrote the reviewer, dubbed ‘Proud Australian’.

Big W used a wide-eyed response to slap a customer who gave a one-star review to a $12 book explaining Indigenous Voice to Parliament, written by Thomas Mayo (pictured) and Kerry O’Brien
‘Not worth the paper it’s written on, total waste of time and money. I am going to return the book and request a refund. I only gave it one star because zero was not an option.’
Big W also posted a similar response to that review.
Mr. Mayo’s book has been well received by many other commenters on the retailer’s website.
‘At less than 100 pages, it can be read in an afternoon and is packed with easy-to-understand information about the Voice, previous attempts at ‘voice’ and referendums. Buy it, read it and pass it on. So vote YES’ wrote one.
“Thank you Big W for making this book available to everyone at an affordable price and for working towards a more inclusive Australia,” wrote another.
‘I will buy more copies to give to others.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to say when the referendum, which aims to enshrine First Nations people in the Constitution and set up an advisory body to report to Parliament on issues facing indigenous Australians, will take place, but it is expected to be around October or November.