No Acknowledgement of Country at Anzac event attended by Qld premier

In Queensland, the Anzac Day dawn service in Townsville proceeded without an Acknowledgement of Country, a protocol that has become standard in many commemorative events across Australia. Premier David Crisafulli was in attendance, alongside Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto, at the ceremony organized by the Townsville RSL sub-branch.

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The Anzac Day Dawn Service is about one thing, remembering those who have served and have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The RSL sub-branch president, Colin Mosch, stated that the Anzac Day Dawn Service is focused exclusively on remembering service members and their ultimate sacrifice. This decision marks a departure from the 2024 and 2025 services, which did include acknowledgements for the traditional custodians, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba peoples. While southern states grappled with heckling and booing during their services, Townsville's event proceeded without such disruptions, though the absence of the acknowledgement itself has sparked debate.

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I think having the premier attend those events and not give recognition to our black diggers, I think, is very disrespectful.

Indigenous leaders have voiced disappointment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss deemed the premier's attendance without recognition of Indigenous servicemen as "very disrespectful." She highlighted the historical participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in conflicts and noted the contrast with a "beautiful ceremony" held on nearby Palm Island. Opposition Leader Steven Miles acknowledged that Anzac Day programs are typically determined by local RSLs, emphasizing respect for all who served, including First Nations Australians.

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It's a day that we mark respect for all who served, including First Nations Australians.

From a Queensland perspective, this incident underscores the ongoing tension between traditional Anzac commemorations and the increasing recognition of Indigenous history and sovereignty. While some RSL branches prioritize a singular focus on military remembrance, others have embraced a more inclusive approach. The differing practices across states and even within Queensland itself reflect a national conversation about how best to honor the past while acknowledging the complexities of Australia's history. The absence of the acknowledgement in Townsville, particularly with the Premier present, is seen by many as a missed opportunity to demonstrate genuine reconciliation and respect for First Nations peoples.

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booing during Anzac Day ceremonies, whatever the cause, was "inappropriate and un-Australian