Big W has scrapped the in-store public announcements in support of the Indigenous vote to parliament following ‘feedback’ from staff and customers.
The chain, which is owned by the Woolworths Group, said it would continue to broadcast an Acknowledgment of Country in its outlets, but would no longer make a longer version that the Voice endorsed.
Beginning in NAIDOC week, which ran July 2, Big W employees read out a statement pledging the store’s commitment to the proposed Voice advisory body and associated documentation, the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
“We remain committed to actively contributing to Australia’s journey of reconciliation by listening and learning, amplifying more diverse voices and working together for a better future,” the statement said.
“We reaffirm our heartfelt support for the Uluru Statement and its call for a First Nations Voice to Parliament as enshrined in the Constitution.”
Big W has scrapped in-store public announcements supporting Indigenous vote to parliament after ‘feedback’ from staff and customers
A spokesman for Big W said: The Australian that the decision to delete the second part of the announcement reflected objections from employees and customers.
“Based on feedback from customers and store teams, we will revert to the previous in-store confirmation of the message,” the spokesperson said.
“We recognize and respect our team and customers have different views and perspectives.”
The Woolworths Facebook page was littered with complaints about the political stance.
“I strongly object to Big W making in-store announcements supporting the Uluru statement from the heart and telling customers how important it is to the company that you vote ‘yes’ in The Voice referendum,” one person said.
Another social media commenter wrote, “Big W is getting more and more political and waking up and it’s time to boycott.”
A dissatisfied customer left a negative review of a pro-Voice book (pictured) on Big W’s website
In June Big W knocked down a customer who gave a one-star review to a $12 book explaining how the native vote would work on parliament.
The book in question was The Voice to Parliament Handbook, which was written by a key architect of the Voice, Thomas Mayo, and former ABC host Kerry O’Brien.
“Absolutely no detail about what changing the constitution will do,” the disgruntled customer wrote.
“I was hoping to learn what will happen when we anchor the voice. Just propaganda and junk.’
The discount store’s brand managers were so gutted by the review that they responded to the customer with a comment about their commitment to the Voice.
“As a diverse workplace, BIG W recognizes the importance of National Reconciliation Week for all Australians and as part of Woolworths Group, we are committed to reconciliation and support the Uluru Declaration from the heart,” it said.
“We hope we can continue to learn together with our team, customers and communities to take action for a more inclusive Australia.”
The poster’s comment received six thumbs up votes that agreed with them, but also received 15 thumbs down from those who disagreed with the comment.
Another one-star review called the book “absolutely atrocious propaganda.”
“The two authors are all you need to see to know what this book is about, nothing but socialist ideologies masquerading as social virtue, trying to shame people into voting for a constitutional amendment that will forever divide the Australian people into warring racial groups,” wrote the reviewer, dubbed “Proud Australian.”
Big W used a very awakened response to slam a client who gave a one-star review to a $12 book explaining the Indigenous vote to parliament, written by Thomas Mayo (pictured) and Kerry O’Brien
Not worth the paper it’s written on, total waste of time and money. I am going to return the book and ask for a refund. Only given one star because zero was not an option.’
Big W also posted a similar response to that review.
Mr Mayo’s book has been well received by many other commentators on the retailer’s website.
‘At less than 100 pages, it can be read in an afternoon and is packed with easy-to-understand information about the Voice, previous ‘Voice’ attempts and referenda. Buy it, read it and pass it on. Then vote YES,” wrote one.
“Thank you Big W for making this book available to everyone at an affordable price and for working towards a more inclusive Australia,” wrote another.
“Will buy more copies to pass on to others.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to specify when the referendum – which aims to enshrine the First Nation’s People in the constitution and establish an advisory body to inform parliament about issues facing Indigenous Australians – will take place, but it is expected to be sometime around October or November.