Part 3/8:
Opposition to the Welcome to Country Practice and Views on Respect
The debate was sparked when Penny Wong, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and other Senators questioned the significance and appropriateness of conducting Welcome to Country ceremonies in Parliament. Several Senators expressed that such practices are a vital part of acknowledging Indigenous culture, but they also acknowledged that the manner and context can sometimes be contentious.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney weighed in, criticizing disruptive actions by some politicians. She described certain actions—like Opposition Senators turning their backs during the ceremonies—as "childish and disrespectful," accusing them of seeking attention, causing offense, or stoking division intentionally.