RSL Australia Acknowledges Community Reaction Over Anzac Day Commemorations

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has reiterated that the behaviour of booing at Anzac Day commemorations that occurred in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, and also at other locations is unacceptable and has no place at any Anzac Day commemoration.

Anzac Day belongs to all Australians, current and former Australian Defence Force members, veterans, their families, and the communities who gather to honour their service and sacrifice. It is a day that must remain inclusive, accessible and dignified for everyone who chooses to participate.

The RSL has confirmed a review of this year’s events will take place as part of its standard post-Anzac Day process.

RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley AM said: “After every Anzac Day, we review how events went across the country. That’s what any good organisation does. This year is no different.”

“We take our responsibility to make Anzac Day accessible and inclusive of everyone very seriously. The Anzac Day services and march are a living tradition that moves with our society.”

RSL Australia is a federated organisation of 110 years, comprising 1100 sub-branches and 150,000 members. The RSL provides national guidance on Acknowledgement of Country, however, does not direct how individual sub-branches choose to conduct commemorations. The inclusion of a Welcome to Country is equally a localised decision, made at the discretion of individual sub-branches.

“A Welcome to Country is offered by First Nations Australians. We want our members and all veterans to understand the RSL’s guidance on the use of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country and what that means, and that no-one feels diminished by it. We are going to sharpen our guidance to make that clearer.” Peter Tinley said.

The RSL is deeply respectful of First Nations Australians and their past service and current contribution to our Defence Forces and is committed to their inclusion in Anzac Day commemorations. That commitment is not under review.