RSL Queensland slammed over new ‘acknowledgment of country’ for Anzac Day ceremonies: ‘Where do these things stop?’

RSL Queensland is facing a backlash over a new recognition of the country that will be read out at Anzac Day ceremonies.

National MP Barnaby Joyce said the day is about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend Australia and should not be politicized.

“Where do these things end?” the former deputy prime minister asked.

On Sky News on Thursday evening.

“We, the warriors of today, acknowledge the very first warriors who were the guardians of this ancient land where we meet today,” the statement read.

“We salute their commitment to an unbroken line of duty that began tens of thousands of years ago and continues to this day.”

The RSL Queensland pamphlet outlines a new recognition of the country

Mr Joyce said including the country’s recognition in the ceremonies would risk dragging the political debate into Anzac Day and “nobody wants that”.

“I just don’t like the idea of ​​politicizing Anzac Day, of saying, ‘Oh, we need to have these improving issues, we need to make additions to what it is,’” Mr Joyce said.

‘People in Australian uniforms who went abroad, who supported the defense of our nation, who made the supreme sacrifice, who were injured, who were left behind, whose families fell apart, whose wives and partners left, this pain that defense of the country, our nation.

“It’s about those who wore the Australian uniform and to bring in other stuff… where do these things stop?

‘You can find a virtuous reason to introduce it, but then of course it only leads to the next virtuous reason and the next, and the next.

“And we’re doing something no one wants to do: politicizing Anzac Day.”

A crowd is seen at the North Bondi RSL Sub-branch dawn service on April 25, 2022 in Sydney

The pamphlet states that the Acknowledgment of Country was prepared by RSL Queensland State President Stephen Day DSC AM, with assistance from Indigenous Elder Auntie Lorraine Hatton OAM of the Australian Army.

A spokesperson for RSL Queensland told Daily Mail Australia that including a recognition from the country was not a requirement but up to the event organisers.

‘This story was made about Anzac Day. “It’s not about Anzac Day,” the spokesperson said.

‘Issuing a recognition of country is and will always remain the discretion of the individual RSL member or organization organizing an event, ceremony or service.

‘There are different versions of Acknowledgments of Country in use across Australia, as well as different views on its content, structure and value.

“Some of our members wanted a veteran-centered option. Nothing has changed other than adding that veteran-oriented option.”

Some commentators expressed their dissatisfaction online.

‘If I contact my local RSL to make a complaint I will not renew my membership,’ said one.

“The RSL is in decline, not attracting younger veterans and now waking up,” added another.