Cricket Australia will schedule the Big Bash League final on January 26, 2027, returning the sport to Australia Day after a multi-year hiatus. While matches return to the date, the governing body stated the national anthem would likely not be played out of sensitivity toward Indigenous Australians, unless requested by the host city.
Angus Taylor Condemns “Woke Moralising” in Cricket Australia Decision
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has slammed the decision to omit the national anthem, calling it “tone-deaf woke moralising” via social media. Taylor argued that while the nation’s past is imperfect, its achievements outweigh the wrongdoings and the anthem should be played to reflect the views of the majority of Australians.
This stance follows a period where Cricket Australia distanced itself from the date. In 2021, the organization stopped using the term “Australia Day” at matches, a move that led then-prime minister Scott Morrison to suggest the body stay out of politics and stick to cricket.
Did you know? The last time Cricket Australia scheduled a match on January 26 was in 2024, when Australia played the West Indies.
The Logic Behind the January 26 Scheduling
Alistair Dobson, the Big Bash League executive, told News Corp that the January 26 date was selected because it is the national day and follows the conclusion of Australia’s first Test during a tour of India. Dobson acknowledged that the date “means different things to different people” and stated the organization would work with an advisory group on First Nations issues to ensure appropriate recognition.
The debate over the date remains polarized. Fast bowler Jason Gillespie, a prominent Indigenous cricketer, has advocated for changing the national day from the anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788. Conversely, former Labor senator Nova Peris told News Corp that there is no reason the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Island flags cannot fly together, suggesting a minute’s silence for the fallen followed by the national anthem.
Liberal Party Internal Reform and the Gender Quota Debate
The cultural clash over the national anthem coincides with a period of internal turmoil for the Liberal Party. A discussion paper led by senator James McGrath revealed a shrinking membership, with over 55 per cent of members aged 60 or older. Among the 16-30 age cohort, about 70 per cent are men.
To combat this decline, the party is weighing reform options, including:
- Gender Quotas: The paper cited Germany’s CDU, which requires 30 per cent of party positions to be held by women by 2025.
- Community Preselection: Allowing non-party members to vote in open primaries.
- Weighting: Providing bonus weighting to female candidates during preselection.
While the paper noted that quotas have improved gender balance—citing that 53 per cent of ALP federal MPs were women after the 2022 election—it also acknowledged the view that such policies can undermine merit-based selection. Angus Taylor has historically spoken against quotas.
Political Context: Taylor is currently competing for the attention of cultural conservatives who have shifted toward Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.
Coalition Relations with One Nation
During an appearance on ABC’s 7.30, Angus Taylor categorically rejected the possibility of forming a government with One Nation. While he initially stated there was “no plan” for a deal, he eventually ruled it out completely when pressed.
Taylor attributed this decision to the risk of a “fiscal crisis,” claiming that a subset of One Nation’s policies would leave the country in an “eternity of pain.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When will cricket return to Australia Day?
The Big Bash League final is scheduled for January 26, 2027.
Will the national anthem be played at the BBL final?
According to Cricket Australia, it likely will not be played due to sensitivity toward Indigenous Australians, though it may be played if the host city requests it.
What is the current state of the Liberal Party membership?
A party discussion paper indicates more than 55 per cent of members are over 60, and about 70 per cent of those aged 16-30 are men.
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