RSLWA hits back over ‘racist’ ban of Welcome to Country, Aboriginal flags at Anzac and Remembrance Day services

RSLWA has responded to the statewide condemnation of their decision to ban Welcome to Country during Remembrance or Anzac Day ceremonies, as political and cultural figures pledge to ignore the “racist” ban and urge them to reconsider. High-profile Federal Labor MP Linda Burney says the WA RSL decision to ban Welcome to Country is "strange" pointing to the thousands of Indigenous Australians who have served. “At a time when there are so many challenges facing our returned service personnel – mental health support; unemployment; homelessness – it strikes me as strange that the WA Branch of the RSL has made this a priority," Ms Burney, the shadow minister for Indigenous Australians, said. “From Boer to Afghanistan, thousands of Indigenous Australians have shown, through their service, a love and dedication to this country – a country that hadn’t always shown the same love back." “I have attended ANZAC services where the Aboriginal flag and acknowledgement of country have contributed beautifully to the ceremony.” Noongar elder Robert Isaacs, who served in the Army Reserves, said he was “horrified” by RSL WA’s behaviour and conduct. “It really horrifies me that in 2020 the RSL has thumbed its nose at Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal people. They have condemned us as far as I am concerned,” Dr Isaacs said. He said the policy was “racist” and challenged RSL WA to explain themselves to Aboriginal people. “It is an insult. It is a racist thing they are doing. I, along with other Aboriginal veterans, are absolutely disgusted,” he said. “We have put so much work into recognising our veterans … we are going to lose all that now.” After the decision sparked outrage across the state, RSLWA attempted to clarify by saying it “cannot ban anything” and that the restriction only applies to “the actual service itself”. In a statement today, RSLWA said it was “deeply saddened” by reports they had banned the flying of the Aboriginal flag and Welcome to Country dedications. In clarifying their position, they said they supported the right to honour Indigenous Australians during the ceremonies, but only outside the traditional services. “RSLWA supports the rights of all Government and community entities flying the Indigenous flag and making a Welcome to Country dedication at official ceremonies,” the statement read. “What RSL is not supportive of is the use of Welcome to Country as part of the actual service itself in terms of the Dawn Service of Anzac Day and 11am Service at Remembrance Day. “RSLWA’s approach to the form and conduct of commemoration is to commemorate in a way that respects all who served, and still serve, no matter their background.” RSLWA clarified its position by releasing a statement on their cultural policy: The new policy was developed after the Anzac dawn service in Fremantle last year, where Aboriginal elder Professor Len Collard read the ode in Noongar language. RSL WA chief executive John McCourt said some members had come to the board saying they did not think the ode being read out in Noongar last year had been appropriate. The controversial policy was rolled out six months ago but could be overturned at an RSLWA board meeting on March 5. WA Governor Kim Beazley says he will continue to deliver an acknowledgement of country on Anzac Day and hopes RSL WA changes its mind on the ban. “My office is about respect. I respect the traditional owners of the land. I respect those who have been prepared to lay down their lives for it. “In public presentation I will always, in all circumstances, pay my respects to the traditional owners. “On days of commemoration, particularly those I look forward to like Anzac Day, I will honour those prepared to and who have sacrificed so much. “Both tasks for me will be performed on Anzac Day.” Professor Len Collard recited the Ode in Noongar at a Anzac Day ceremony in Fremantle last year and said he received no complaints only complements. “I’ve got an obligation to do it, my ancestors fought in the original wars for Australia, they fought in the colonial wars, the imperial wars, our ancestors put their life on the line for the attributes of Australian society,” he said. “They’re (RSLWA) entitled to express themselves, whether anyone listens or takes notice I’m sure time will tell.” The professor said he would like to see The Ode translated into other world and Aboriginal languages. Former RSLWA president Graham Edwards said the situation smacked of “racism”. “My own view is it’s up to individual sub-branches if they choose to or not, it’s not up to the board to say you can’t,” he said. Mr Edwards said the RSLWA had made the ceremony “divisive”. South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council chairwoman Jeanice Krakouer said she was saddened by the policy and hoped the board would reconsider its decision. “Anzac Day and Remembrance Day are opportunities for our community to come together in healing and remember the sacrifice of all Australians who wore the uniform,” she said. “Over 1000 Aboriginal soldiers stood side-by-side with non-Aboriginal Australian soldiers during World War I and it is important we remember everyone’s sacrifice during these ceremonies.” RSLWA have referred to their commemoration policy in response, which can be read in full below.