Australians have tired of “pointless” Welcome to Country ceremonies, new polling data has revealed, amid calls for a “review” of their use at public events.
A survey of 1005 Australians conducted by independent marketing research firm Dynata on behalf of the conservative Institute of Public Affairs last month found that more than half (56 per cent) of participants agreed the practice has “become divisive”.
Only 17 per cent disagreed with the statement, while 27 per cent said they were unsure.
Surprisingly, 48 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 — a demographic often thought to be more progressive than generations past — did not believe the ritual to be a unifying one.
Sentiment around the performance of Welcome to Country before major events like Anzac Day or sporting matches was more mixed — 46 per cent and 49 per cent respectively said they should no longer be performed before either event, versus 34 per cent and 30 per cent who said they should continue.
IPA deputy executive director Daniel Wild said the survey results were proof “Australians have had an absolute gutful” of the “divisive and pointless” tradition.
News Corporation
