The right-wing group leading the campaign against Indigenous Voice to Parliament has warned Anzac Day could be the next Australian institution under threat.
Advance has told its supporters that “elites and activists… want to turn it into a political football or kill it with silence.”
They say a series of “distasteful comments” from left-wing activists in recent years have marked the start of a movement against the solemn commemoration day.
“It shouldn’t be controversial to be proud of Anzac Day,” the group said in a statement.
The group leading the campaign against Indigenous Voice to Parliament has issued a new warning to Aussies that Anzac Day could be under threat
Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas’ government approved a bill at the end of 2023. The holiday would instead be renamed ‘April 25’ – a day ‘established as a public holiday’
The concerns stem from a trend away from Australia Day and recent headlines about the decline in Anzac Day patriotism.
In South Australia, 2024 will mark the first year that Anzac Day is not remembered and marketed as such.
Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas’ government approved a bill at the end of 2023. The holiday would instead be renamed ‘April 25’ – a day ‘established as a public holiday’.
It’s a subtle change, but one that set alarm bells ringing at Advance.
“This Anzac Day it’s time for Australia to say thank you,” it said. “The activists will continue to push for Anzac Day to be downgraded and destroyed.”
In a 90-second video ad, the organization works to build community support for Anzac Day, sharing divisive comments made by comedians and public figures in recent years who have tried to discredit soldiers.
In a 90-second video ad, the organization works to build community support for Anzac Day, sharing divisive comments made by comedians and public figures in recent years who have tried to discredit soldiers
Fear in advance Anzac Day could follow the same path as Australia Day if left unchecked
Controversial comedian Catherine Deveny described the national holiday as ‘bogan Halloween’ and claimed war veterans were ‘ignorant and uneducated’ in widely reported social media posts in 2018.
‘ANZAC day. It’s Bogan Halloween,” she said. “ANZAC Day is bloody disgusting and should have been binned decades ago.”
Controversial comedian Catherine Deveny described the national holiday as ‘bogan Halloween’ and claimed war veterans were ‘ignorant and uneducated’ in widely reported social media posts in 2018
Advance denounced those comments, telling his followers this week: “They say it’s ‘bogan halloween’ or a ‘Trojan horse for racism, sexism, toxic masculinity, violence, homophobia and discrimination.’ Waste.
“These are men and women who risk everything in defense of this great nation. Many made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up their lives for Australia.
‘Celebrating, commemorating and recognizing it is what Anzac Day is about. And it must remain that way.’
A year earlier, in 2017, writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied was heavily criticized after publishing ‘Lest. We. Forget. (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine)’ on April 25.
She quickly deleted the post and apologized, but many Australians were outraged that she had hijacked National Day of Remembrance to make a political statement.
Yassmin Abdel-Magied was heavily criticized after his ‘Lest. We. Forget. (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine)’ on April 25
Yassmin Abdel-Magied has again referenced a divisive tweet she made on Anzac Day five years ago about her fleeing Australia
More recently, knowledge and understanding of the true meaning behind the day seems to have diminished.
A rock concert was planned at the Domain in Sydney – near the annual Diggers’ March – on April 25, until the intervention of Prime Minister Chris Minns.
RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said the proposal raised concerns.
“Anzac Day is not for sale,” he said.
Fear in advance Anzac Day could follow the same path as Australia Day if left unchecked.
Every year, more Australians choose not to celebrate January 26, instead attending protests and promoting the alternative phrase ‘invasion day’.
Woolworths has been under constant scrutiny and faced calls for boycotts from the Opposition Leader over a decision to no longer sell Australia Day merchandise in stores.
The supermarket chain faced further pressure last week after it was announced they would not be stocking limited edition Anzac biscuit tins this year.
The tins (pictured above), featuring alternative designs for different wars and conflicts, are a collector’s item and a portion of the profits from sales will be donated to the RSL which helps veterans and their families (pictured below)
Woolworths has been criticized for not stocking special Anzac biscuit tins this year (stock image)
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said she had ‘not shopped at Woolworths since they announced they would not support Australia Day’.
“Having learned that Woolworths has also refused to stock RSL’s special Anzac biscuit tins, this reinforces my original decision,” she wrote on X.
‘If Woolworths is not interested in celebrating Australia and doing everything we can to support our veterans through organizations like the RSL, then I am proud to continue to boycott Woolworths and I hope others will join me in supporting their business to settle elsewhere
A Woolworths spokesperson said they had raised almost $13 million on Anzac-related appeals over the past decade.
“Our teams across the country are delighted that we can proudly support the ANZAC appeal again this year as we are the only supermarket to stock the appeal badges with all money from sales going to the RSL.” , the spokesperson added.
‘We sell Bakers Finest Anzac biscuits in our stores all year round. This product is endorsed by the RSL and generates income for the RSL to support veterans and their families.”