'Devalued' or Deeply Meaningful? The Debate Over Welcome to Country Intensifies

There has been ongoing division in Australia regarding the purpose of Acknowledgements of Country and Welcomes to Country. This was highlighted by booing of Elders during Anzac Day memorial services on April 25, 2026. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor subsequently stated that Welcome to Country ceremonies are overused and have become devalued.

Angus Taylor stated that Welcome to Country ceremonies are overused and have become devalued.

Age-Old Traditions

For tens of thousands of years, Aboriginal nations have used formal welcomes or acknowledgements when interacting across Country. Traditionally, visitors would meet in neutral territory where Elders would introduce and welcome them, establishing kinship and reciprocal responsibilities.

Similar practices exist in iTaukei (Indigenous) Fijian communities, where individuals introduce themselves by acknowledging their village and land.

A Path Forward: From Script to Story

Authors Lynette Riley and Jioji Ravulo argue for moving beyond scripted acknowledgements toward more personal introductions. They suggest that people should share who they are and where they come from, including personal and professional histories, before acknowledging the Country.

This approach aims to foster genuine connection and understanding, shifting the focus from rote recitation to authentic relationship-building.

About the Authors

• Professor Jioji Ravulo has iTaukei Fijian heritage.
• Aunty Professor Lynette Riley is a Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman from Dubbo and Moree.
• Both are academics at the University of Sydney.