The practice of welcoming Australians to their own country needs to be abandoned according to the Family First Party, which is standing 100 candidates at the federal election.
“We should of course be proud of and honour indigenous Australians and their heritage,” said National Director and lead Senate candidate for New South Wales, Lyle Shelton.
“But that doesn’t mean public events and plane landings should contain an acknowledgement that citizens don’t have equal standing in this nation.”
Mr Shelton said Family First condemns the disruption to yesterday’s ANZAC service in Melbourne but agrees with veterans who told media the welcome to country was not appropriate.
“Australia’s settlement was not perfect but on balance its people have striven, and continue to strive, to right the wrongs of the past where possible.
“Australians have created what is now arguably one of the most desirable nations on earth for people of every race who have come here for a better life.
“The only people who need to be welcomed are new Australians who have taken a pledge of loyalty to Australia and its people at a citizenship ceremony, or visitors.”
Family First Senators, if elected, will move to have welcomes to country scrapped at all Commonwealth events, including ANZAC Day.
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