Latest news with #WelcometoCountry
Sky News AU
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘I am Australian': Pauline Hanson defends One Nation turning their backs to Welcome to Country
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson defends claims One Nation senators turning their backs to the Welcome to Country ceremony in parliament was disrespectful. 'It is not a custom of the Aboriginal people, that's rubbish,' Ms Hanson told Sky News host Chris Kenny. Ms Hanson and Mr Kenny clashed on the importance of the Welcome to Country ceremony in the Australian senate.
7NEWS
a day ago
- Politics
- 7NEWS
One Nation politicians turn backs on Acknowledgement of Country at parliament opening
A group of right-wing senators have been sharply criticised for turning their backs on the Acknowledgement of Country inside the federal parliament. The four One Nation politicians were responding to a statement of respect that was read out in the Senate chamber as part of the traditional ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday. Cabinet minister Clare O'Neil lashed the Pauline Hanson-led party, saying it was disappointing their action became a point of focus, despite the shows of unity earlier in the day during Welcome to Country ceremonies. 'It was disrespectful and rude and childish,' she told Seven on Wednesday. The opening of parliament was a day to celebrate the strength of Australia's democracy and recommit to working for Australia's citizens, O'Neil added. Nationals senator Bridge McKenzie said while it was up to the government to determine the ceremonies for the opening of parliament, and that she had listened respectfully to the acknowledgement, others had different perspectives. She also compared the One Nation silent protest to politicians who walk out of the chamber during the morning prayers and those who don't support the monarchy. 'The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can't express different views,' she told Sunrise. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has described the Acknowledgement of Country as 'divisive' and 'increasingly forced'. But O'Neil said the party should still have treated all Australians with respect. 'Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country — we've got First Nations people who have been invited to come to parliament, to extend that hand of friendship and invite us and talk about 65,000 years of heritage that they bring to our beautiful, great country,' she said. 'To treat people that way on the first day of parliament, I think, it was absolutely appalling.' Welcome to Country ceremonies and land acknowledgements have been at the centre of a right-wing culture war after a group of neo-Nazis booed a Welcome to Country address during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne earlier in 2025. Labor has backed Welcome to Country ceremonies, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday celebrating the tradition as a powerful way to begin the new parliament and reflect on Australia's history. Albanese also took a veiled swipe at former opposition leader Peter Dutton and some coalition MPs who branded Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country proclamations as divisive and overdone. 'Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn't take it for granted,' Albanese said, adding the ceremony was not controversial. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the ceremony 'set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country'. Welcome to Country is conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Traditional Owners and connection to land, which can be given by an Indigenous or non-Indigenous person.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
One Nation turns its back on Acknowledgement of Country
A group of right-wing senators who turned their backs during an Acknowledgement of Country inside the federal parliament have been sharply criticised. The four One Nation politicians took the action in the Senate chamber when the statement of respect was read out as part of the traditional ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday. Cabinet minister Clare O'Neil lashed the Pauline Hanson-led party, saying it was disappointing their action became a point of focus, despite the shows of unity earlier in the day during Welcome to Country ceremonies. "It was disrespectful and rude and childish," she told Seven on Wednesday. The opening of parliament was a day to celebrate the strength of Australia's democracy and recommit to working for Australia's citizens, Ms O'Neil added. Nationals senator Bridge McKenzie said while it was up to the government to determine the ceremonies for the opening of parliament, and that she had listened respectfully to the acknowledgement, others had different perspectives. She also compared the One Nation silent protest to politicians who walk out of the chamber during the morning prayers and those who don't support the monarchy. "The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can't express different views," she told Sunrise. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has claimed Acknowledgement of Country is "divisive" and "increasingly forced". But Ms O'Neil said the party still should have treated all Australians with respect. "Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country - we've got First Nations people who have been invited to come to parliament, to extend that hand of friendship and invite us and talk about 65,000 years of heritage that they bring to our beautiful, great country," she said. "To treat people that way on the first day of parliament, I think, it was absolutely appalling." Welcome to Country ceremonies and land acknowledgements have been at the centre of a right-wing culture war after a group of neo-Nazis booed a Welcome to Country address during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne earlier in 2025. Labor has backed Welcome to Country ceremonies, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday celebrating the tradition as a powerful way to begin the new parliament and reflect on Australia's history. Mr Albanese also took a veiled swipe at the stance of former opposition leader Peter Dutton and some coalition MPs who branded Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country proclamations as divisive and overdone. "Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn't take it for granted," Mr Albanese said, adding the ceremony was not controversial. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the ceremony "set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country". Welcome to Country is conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Traditional Owners and connection to land, which can be given by an Indigenous or non-Indigenous person. A group of right-wing senators who turned their backs during an Acknowledgement of Country inside the federal parliament have been sharply criticised. The four One Nation politicians took the action in the Senate chamber when the statement of respect was read out as part of the traditional ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday. Cabinet minister Clare O'Neil lashed the Pauline Hanson-led party, saying it was disappointing their action became a point of focus, despite the shows of unity earlier in the day during Welcome to Country ceremonies. "It was disrespectful and rude and childish," she told Seven on Wednesday. The opening of parliament was a day to celebrate the strength of Australia's democracy and recommit to working for Australia's citizens, Ms O'Neil added. Nationals senator Bridge McKenzie said while it was up to the government to determine the ceremonies for the opening of parliament, and that she had listened respectfully to the acknowledgement, others had different perspectives. She also compared the One Nation silent protest to politicians who walk out of the chamber during the morning prayers and those who don't support the monarchy. "The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can't express different views," she told Sunrise. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has claimed Acknowledgement of Country is "divisive" and "increasingly forced". But Ms O'Neil said the party still should have treated all Australians with respect. "Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country - we've got First Nations people who have been invited to come to parliament, to extend that hand of friendship and invite us and talk about 65,000 years of heritage that they bring to our beautiful, great country," she said. "To treat people that way on the first day of parliament, I think, it was absolutely appalling." Welcome to Country ceremonies and land acknowledgements have been at the centre of a right-wing culture war after a group of neo-Nazis booed a Welcome to Country address during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne earlier in 2025. Labor has backed Welcome to Country ceremonies, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday celebrating the tradition as a powerful way to begin the new parliament and reflect on Australia's history. Mr Albanese also took a veiled swipe at the stance of former opposition leader Peter Dutton and some coalition MPs who branded Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country proclamations as divisive and overdone. "Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn't take it for granted," Mr Albanese said, adding the ceremony was not controversial. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the ceremony "set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country". Welcome to Country is conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Traditional Owners and connection to land, which can be given by an Indigenous or non-Indigenous person. A group of right-wing senators who turned their backs during an Acknowledgement of Country inside the federal parliament have been sharply criticised. The four One Nation politicians took the action in the Senate chamber when the statement of respect was read out as part of the traditional ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday. Cabinet minister Clare O'Neil lashed the Pauline Hanson-led party, saying it was disappointing their action became a point of focus, despite the shows of unity earlier in the day during Welcome to Country ceremonies. "It was disrespectful and rude and childish," she told Seven on Wednesday. The opening of parliament was a day to celebrate the strength of Australia's democracy and recommit to working for Australia's citizens, Ms O'Neil added. Nationals senator Bridge McKenzie said while it was up to the government to determine the ceremonies for the opening of parliament, and that she had listened respectfully to the acknowledgement, others had different perspectives. She also compared the One Nation silent protest to politicians who walk out of the chamber during the morning prayers and those who don't support the monarchy. "The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can't express different views," she told Sunrise. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has claimed Acknowledgement of Country is "divisive" and "increasingly forced". But Ms O'Neil said the party still should have treated all Australians with respect. "Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country - we've got First Nations people who have been invited to come to parliament, to extend that hand of friendship and invite us and talk about 65,000 years of heritage that they bring to our beautiful, great country," she said. "To treat people that way on the first day of parliament, I think, it was absolutely appalling." Welcome to Country ceremonies and land acknowledgements have been at the centre of a right-wing culture war after a group of neo-Nazis booed a Welcome to Country address during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne earlier in 2025. Labor has backed Welcome to Country ceremonies, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday celebrating the tradition as a powerful way to begin the new parliament and reflect on Australia's history. Mr Albanese also took a veiled swipe at the stance of former opposition leader Peter Dutton and some coalition MPs who branded Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country proclamations as divisive and overdone. "Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn't take it for granted," Mr Albanese said, adding the ceremony was not controversial. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the ceremony "set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country". Welcome to Country is conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Traditional Owners and connection to land, which can be given by an Indigenous or non-Indigenous person. A group of right-wing senators who turned their backs during an Acknowledgement of Country inside the federal parliament have been sharply criticised. The four One Nation politicians took the action in the Senate chamber when the statement of respect was read out as part of the traditional ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday. Cabinet minister Clare O'Neil lashed the Pauline Hanson-led party, saying it was disappointing their action became a point of focus, despite the shows of unity earlier in the day during Welcome to Country ceremonies. "It was disrespectful and rude and childish," she told Seven on Wednesday. The opening of parliament was a day to celebrate the strength of Australia's democracy and recommit to working for Australia's citizens, Ms O'Neil added. Nationals senator Bridge McKenzie said while it was up to the government to determine the ceremonies for the opening of parliament, and that she had listened respectfully to the acknowledgement, others had different perspectives. She also compared the One Nation silent protest to politicians who walk out of the chamber during the morning prayers and those who don't support the monarchy. "The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can't express different views," she told Sunrise. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has claimed Acknowledgement of Country is "divisive" and "increasingly forced". But Ms O'Neil said the party still should have treated all Australians with respect. "Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country - we've got First Nations people who have been invited to come to parliament, to extend that hand of friendship and invite us and talk about 65,000 years of heritage that they bring to our beautiful, great country," she said. "To treat people that way on the first day of parliament, I think, it was absolutely appalling." Welcome to Country ceremonies and land acknowledgements have been at the centre of a right-wing culture war after a group of neo-Nazis booed a Welcome to Country address during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne earlier in 2025. Labor has backed Welcome to Country ceremonies, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday celebrating the tradition as a powerful way to begin the new parliament and reflect on Australia's history. Mr Albanese also took a veiled swipe at the stance of former opposition leader Peter Dutton and some coalition MPs who branded Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country proclamations as divisive and overdone. "Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn't take it for granted," Mr Albanese said, adding the ceremony was not controversial. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the ceremony "set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country". Welcome to Country is conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Traditional Owners and connection to land, which can be given by an Indigenous or non-Indigenous person.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
One Nation turns its back on Acknowledgement of Country
A group of right-wing senators who turned their backs during an Acknowledgement of Country inside the federal parliament have been sharply criticised. The four One Nation politicians took the action in the Senate chamber when the statement of respect was read out as part of the traditional ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday. Cabinet minister Clare O'Neil lashed the Pauline Hanson-led party, saying it was disappointing their action became a point of focus, despite the shows of unity earlier in the day during Welcome to Country ceremonies. "It was disrespectful and rude and childish," she told Seven on Wednesday. The opening of parliament was a day to celebrate the strength of Australia's democracy and recommit to working for Australia's citizens, Ms O'Neil added. Nationals senator Bridge McKenzie said while it was up to the government to determine the ceremonies for the opening of parliament, and that she had listened respectfully to the acknowledgement, others had different perspectives. She also compared the One Nation silent protest to politicians who walk out of the chamber during the morning prayers and those who don't support the monarchy. "The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can't express different views," she told Sunrise. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has claimed Acknowledgement of Country is "divisive" and "increasingly forced". But Ms O'Neil said the party still should have treated all Australians with respect. "Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country - we've got First Nations people who have been invited to come to parliament, to extend that hand of friendship and invite us and talk about 65,000 years of heritage that they bring to our beautiful, great country," she said. "To treat people that way on the first day of parliament, I think, it was absolutely appalling." Welcome to Country ceremonies and land acknowledgements have been at the centre of a right-wing culture war after a group of neo-Nazis booed a Welcome to Country address during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne earlier in 2025. Labor has backed Welcome to Country ceremonies, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday celebrating the tradition as a powerful way to begin the new parliament and reflect on Australia's history. Mr Albanese also took a veiled swipe at the stance of former opposition leader Peter Dutton and some coalition MPs who branded Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country proclamations as divisive and overdone. "Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn't take it for granted," Mr Albanese said, adding the ceremony was not controversial. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the ceremony "set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country". Welcome to Country is conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Traditional Owners and connection to land, which can be given by an Indigenous or non-Indigenous person.
The Age
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
Political enemies join parliament's first-day love-in. Day two will be a different story
But then, the arcane rituals of the first day of a new parliament are crafted to reassure Australia's people that even in the most turbulent world, there remains, at least for a day, respectful homage to democracy stretching back through centuries. There was the Usher of the Black Rod marching to the House of Representatives – the lower house – to announce that the MPs were required by the governor-general's representative to attend the Senate – the upper house – for the official opening. It's a tradition founded in gore. In 1642, King Charles I invaded the British House of Commons, took the Speaker's chair and demanded the surrender of five MPs. The House of Commons, deeply unimpressed, regarded it as a breach of its rights. Charles later had his head removed. No sovereign, or their vice-regal representative, has since opened a parliament by entering the lower (or people's) house, known in Australia as the House of Representatives. Loading Lord only knows what the current King Charles might make of the protest on Tuesday, by Bob Katter, the idiosyncratic Queenslander who, with 32 years under his hat as an MP, rejoices in the title of father of the house. Katter downright refused to swear allegiance to Charles III, his heirs and successors. 'No,' said Katter, 'I swear allegiance to the Australian people.' The presence of Australia's oldest peoples in central roles at the parliamentary opening – the Welcome to Country, the smoking ceremony and a performance of traditional dance – was the most striking intimation of an evolving Australian democracy. When the first Parliament House in Canberra opened in May, 1927, two roughly attired elders, Jimmy Clements and John Noble, were the only Aboriginal people in attendance. Police took exception and told Clements to clear off. The crowd took the side of the old Aboriginal man and he won a spot on the parliamentary steps. The first Welcome to Country for a new federal parliament, however, took place only 17 years ago, on February 12, 2008, amid much controversy. The following day, a group of Coalition MPs boycotted then-prime minister Kevin Rudd's apology to Australia's Indigenous people, either walking out of the speech or not attending at all. They were Peter Dutton, Don Randall, Luke Simpkins, Sophie Mirabella, Dennis Jensen, Wilson Tuckey, Alby Schultz and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells. None of these people remain in today's parliament. Dutton, who became the leader of the Coalition and embraced opposition to the referendum for an Indigenous Voice to parliament, lost his seat of Dickson in May's federal election. His successor as opposition leader, Ley, took a nuanced response to Aunty Violet's address. 'May it set the tone as we recommit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunities for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country,' she said. The warmth of the day's events was captured on the floor of the Senate, when two politicians who use wheelchairs to get around were captured embracing by this masthead's photographer, Dominic Lorrimer. Labor's Ali France, who replaced Dutton in the Queensland seat of Dickson, lost a leg in an accident and often uses a motorised chair. The Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has cerebral palsy. Politics wafted away as they hugged. The tumultuous world beyond couldn't be denied, however. Loading A crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on the lawns outside, demanding an end to Israel's war on Gaza. The Albanese government decided it was time to sign a statement formally calling for an end to the war, too, and condemning the 'drip-feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children'. Ley dodged questions on whether she would support the statement. Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash was more direct. 'It is disappointing that once again the Albanese government is supporting a statement attacking Israel,' Cash declared. Politics, we can be assured, will recommence in short order, and Tuesday's dawn church service will be a memory. Lest we forget too readily, here are parts of the readings given by the leaders.
