‘Neo-Nazi' booing of welcome to country at Melbourne Anzac Day dawn service condemned
Small group booed and yelled at Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown's welcome and Victorian governor's acknowledgement of country
www.theguardian.comDirect answer: Latest reports indicate Anzac Day dawn services in Australia were marred by a small number of hecklers, drawing condemnation from veterans and leaders, with several services moving on or issuing warnings to disruptors.[1][3][5]
Details:
- In Western Australia, Perth’s Kings Park event and other WA vigils saw a handful of interruptions; authorities issued move-on orders and leaders condemned the behavior as disgraceful and disrespectful.[1]
- Melbourne and Sydney services were also affected by booing during Welcome to Country acknowledgements, prompting widespread condemnation from Indigenous leaders, veterans groups, and politicians.[3][4][7]
- Police actions included detaining or warning suspected disruptors at some sites; coverage notes that the vast majority attended peacefully, with significant turnout at major dawn services nationwide.[3][1]
Illustration: A common pattern across reports is robust turnout for dawn services with focused condemnations of the disruptions, underscoring a national emphasis on respect for veterans and Indigenous ceremonies during Anzac Day.[5][1][3]
Citations:
- WA disruption coverage and official reactions.[1]
- Melbourne/Sydney booing and condemnation coverage.[3]
- ABC News summary of condemnations and incidents.[4]