The ANMF has condemned the disruptions to Welcome to Country ceremonies at ANZAC Day dawn services on the weekend.

We acknowledge the distress and harm this behaviour has caused to many in our community. The ANMF stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and with all people living in Australia, who expect national commemorations to reflect respect and unity, not division.

ANZAC Day is, and always has been, a day for reflection, unity and acknowledgement of all including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women, who have served for our country.

Welcome to Country is an act of generosity from Indigenous people and an act that fosters cultural respect. On ANZAC Day, Welcome to Country is a fitting acknowledgement of the contributions Indigenous Australians have made to this country’s military history.

To respond with booing was extremely disrespectful to First Nations peoples and to all service men and women. It was contrary to the spirit of remembrance and unity that ANZAC Day represents to all people living in Australia. It showed a profound misunderstanding of what Welcome to Country actually is and what it means.

It undermined the values of dignity, social cohesion and harmony that nurses and midwives uphold and represent in their work caring for and supporting all communities and cultures. This type of behaviour is deeply concerning and has no place in our society.

The ANMF, with over 356,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia. 

ANMF statement authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.

ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390