The group leading the campaign against Indigenous Voice in Parliament has warned Anzac Day could be the next Australian institution to be threatened.
Advance has told its followers that “elites and activists… want to turn it into a political football or end the silence.”
They say a series of “unpleasant comments” by left-wing activists in recent years have marked the beginning of a movement against the solemn day of remembrance.
“It should not be controversial to be proud of Anzac Day,” the group said in a statement.
The group that led the campaign against Indigenous Voice to Parliament has issued a new warning to Australians that Anzac Day could be under threat.
Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas’ government passed a bill in late 2023 that would rename the holiday “April 25,” a day “stipulated as a public holiday.”
The concern comes in the wake of a trend away from Australia Day, as well as recent headlines about declining Anzac Day patriotism.
In South Australia, 2024 will mark the first year that Anzac Day is not remembered or marketed as such.
Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas’ government passed a bill in late 2023 to rename the holiday “April 25,” a day “fixed as a public holiday.”
It’s a subtle change, but it set off alarm bells at Advance.
“This Anzac Day, it’s time for Australia to say thank you,” it said. “Activists will continue to push to degrade and destroy Anzac Day.”
In a 90-second video advert, the organization is mobilizing to build community support for Anzac Day, sharing divisive comments made by comedians and public figures in recent years who have sought to discredit soldiers.
In a 90-second video advert, the organization is mobilizing to build community support for Anzac Day, sharing divisive comments made by comedians and public figures in recent years who have sought to discredit soldiers.
There are fears that Anzac Day, if left unchecked, could go the way of Australia Day
Controversial comedian Catherine Deveny described the national holiday as “bogan Halloween” and claimed war veterans were “ignorant and uneducated” in widely criticized posts on social media in 2018.
‘Anzac Day. It’s Bogan Halloween,” she said. “ANZAC Day is fucking disgusting and should have been thrown in the bin decades ago.”
Controversial comedian Catherine Deveny described the national holiday as “bogan Halloween” and claimed war veterans were “ignorant and uneducated” in widely criticized posts on social media in 2018.
Advance criticized those comments, telling followers this week: “They say it’s a ‘Bogan Halloween’ or a ‘Trojan horse for racism, sexism, toxic masculinity, violence, homophobia and discrimination.'” Rubbish.
‘These are men and women who risked everything in defense of this great nation. Many made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for Australia.
‘Celebrating them, remembering them and recognizing them is what Anzac Day is all about. And it has to continue like this.”
A year earlier, in 2017, writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied was harshly criticized after tweeting ‘Lest’. Us. Forget. (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine)’ on April 25.
He quickly deleted the post and apologized, but many Australians were left outraged that he had hijacked the national day of remembrance to make a political statement.
Yassmin Abdel-Magied was harshly criticized after tweeting ‘Don’t be. Us. Forget. (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine)’ on April 25
Yassmin Abdel-Magied has once again referenced a divisive tweet she made on Anzac Day five years ago that saw her flee Australia.
More recently, knowledge and understanding of the true meaning behind the day appears to have diminished.
A rock concert was due to take place at Sydney’s Domain, close to the annual Diggers parade, on April 25, until Prime Minister Chris Minns intervened.
RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said the proposal had raised concerns.
“Anzac Day is not for sale,” he said.
There are fears that Anzac Day, if left unchecked, will go the same way as Australia Day.
Every year, more Australians choose not to celebrate January 26 and instead attend protests and promote the alternative phrase “invasion day.”
Woolworths has come under sustained scrutiny and faced boycott calls from the Opposition Leader over its decision to no longer sell Australia Day products in stores.
Supermarkets faced increased pressure last week after it was revealed they would be out of stock of limited edition Anzac biscuit tins this year.
The cans (pictured above), which have alternative designs for different wars and conflicts, are collectors’ items and part of the profits from their sale are donated to the RSL, which helps veterans and their families (pictured below).
Woolworths has been criticized for not stocking special tins of Anzac biscuits this year (file image)
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said she had not “shopped at Woolworths since they announced they would not be supporting Australia Day”.
“Now that I have learned that Woolworths has also refused to stock RSL’s special Anzac biscuit tins, this reinforces my original decision,” he posted on X.
‘If Woolworths is not interested in celebrating Australia and doing everything it can to support our veterans through organizations like RSL, then I am proud to continue to boycott Woolworths and hope others will join me in taking their business elsewhere’
A Woolworths spokesperson said they had raised almost $13 million for Anzac-related appeals over the past ten years.
“Our teams across the country are delighted to once again proudly support this year’s ANZAC Campaign as we are the only supermarket to carry campaign badges and all sales funds will go to the RSL,” added the spokesman.
“We sell Bakers Finest Anzac biscuits in our stores all year round, this product is supported by the RSL and generates income for the RSL to support veterans and their families.”