Anzac Day commemorations across Australia were marked by significant tension this year, as Indigenous Welcome to Country ceremonies were met with booing in several major cities. While the nation observed the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, disruptions occurred at dawn services in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Disruptions at Indigenous Welcome to Country
In Sydney, a small but noisy group booed during the Indigenous acknowledgement of country at Martin Place. New South Wales police confirmed that a 24-year-old man was arrested for an “alleged act of nuisance,” and other individuals were moved on from the service.
Following the disturbance, the crowd responded with an extended period of applause and cheering for Uncle Ray Minniecon. Minniecon told the ABC that those interjecting must understand “this always was and always will be Aboriginal land,” describing the incident as a “whitefella problem.”
Similar incidents were reported in other states. In Melbourne, boos were drowned out by the crowd as Bunurong and Gunditjmara man Uncle Mark Brown delivered his welcome. In Perth, the ABC reported that Whadjuk and Noongar elder and army veteran Di Ryder was likewise heckled.
Official Condemnation of “Bastardry”
Political and military leaders have swiftly condemned the behavior. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the interruptions as “bastardry,” stating that politicising a sacred day disrespects those who fought and died for freedom.
NSW Premier Chris Minns noted that while he had never heard such booing at a dawn service, the spontaneous applause for Uncle Ray Minniecon made the views of the vast majority clear. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called the heckling “disgraceful” and “deeply disappointing.”
RSL leaders also expressed outrage. Vincent Williams, acting president of RSL NSW, called the booing “the most appalling act” he had ever seen at a dawn service. RSL Victoria president Mark Schroffel described the disruptors as “weak-minded individuals” who do not belong at the service.
Organized Opposition and Political Ties
The disruptions appear linked to organized efforts by “Fight for Australia,” a group formerly known as March for Australia. The organization had encouraged supporters to contact RSL branches to request the removal of welcomes to country from ceremonies.
On the Friday preceding the event, the group posted a video of the 2025 Melbourne ceremony—where the National Socialist Network had booed Uncle Mark Brown—asking online, “Will you be booing the welcome to country this year?”
Ben Roberts-Smith Attends Gold Coast Service
On the Gold Coast, Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith attended the dawn service at Currumbin beach. Roberts-Smith told reporters, “I never thought about not coming. I was always going to be here.”
His attendance comes amid serious legal challenges. This month, Roberts-Smith was charged with five counts of the war crime of murder, stemming from his service with the Australian SAS in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He is accused of killing unarmed, handcuffed civilians who were in the custody of Australian soldiers.
Roberts-Smith has vehemently denied the allegations, stating, “I categorically deny all of these allegations.” Each of the five charges carries a potential life sentence in prison.
Upcoming Nationalist Rally
A rally in support of Roberts-Smith is scheduled to seize place in Melbourne this Sunday. The event is being planned by the National Workers Alliance, which describes itself as an “Australian nationalist organisation for the preservation of European culture and identity,” and is also being promoted by Fight for Australia.
The rally may call for the charges against Roberts-Smith to be dropped. A spokesperson clarified that neither Roberts-Smith nor his family were involved in the planning of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested during the Sydney dawn service?
A 24-year-old man was arrested by New South Wales police for an “alleged act of nuisance” following booing during the Indigenous acknowledgement of country.
What are the specific charges against Ben Roberts-Smith?
He has been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder, allegedly killing unarmed, handcuffed civilians in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
Which group encouraged the booing of Welcome to Country ceremonies?
Fight for Australia, previously known as March for Australia, encouraged supporters to contact RSL branches to remove the ceremonies and asked online if supporters would be booing this year.
How should nations balance traditional military commemorations with the evolving recognition of First Nations peoples?
