Aunty Violet Sheridan delivering a Welcome to Country at the 2023 John Gorton Campus car park sod turn. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The Federal Opposition has used the approach of Australia Day events around the nation to highlight how much the public service is spending on Welcome to Country ceremonies.
The Coalition obtained records through Freedom of Information requests that revealed what it describes as the “staggering cost of Welcome to Country ceremonies” across Commonwealth government departments.
More than $450,000 was spent by 21 government departments on Welcome to Country ceremonies in the past two years, according to the information released by the Opposition.
The Coalition’s spokesman on government waste, James Stevens, noted that among the biggest spenders on the list is Anthony Albanese’s own department, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
During the period, it spent $41,801 on Welcome to Country ceremonies, which cost an average of $1,266 per ceremony.
“While there is a place for traditional Welcome to Country ceremonies, taxpayers should not be forking out half a million dollars for them,” Mr Stevens said.
“When added to the enormous amounts state and local governments spend on these ceremonies, it’s become a multi-million-dollar industry.
“Welcomes to Country should be genuine and authentic, not a lucrative income stream at the taxpayers’ expense.
“Spending millions on ‘welcome’ ceremonies does nothing to address the challenges facing Indigenous Australians.
“This money could be better spent on delivering real solutions to Indigenous communities.”
Region has approached PM&C asking if there are stipulated requirements and/or protocols across the Australian Public Service regulating when Welcome to Country ceremonies should be held and how much should be spent on them.
An answer was sought as to whether there is an overall directive or if each agency makes its own decision regarding Welcome to Country ceremonies.
PM&C is yet to respond.
The Department of Industry Science and Resources, similar to some other agencies, lists its own guidelines under the heading of Protocols of Respect on its website.
“Our department encourages staff to show awareness and respect for the traditional owners of the land through a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country,” it states.
“A Welcome to Country is a traditional protocol that should be presented to welcome people onto Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands.
“It can only be performed by a Traditional Owner of the lands on which you are meeting.
“An Acknowledgement of Country can be informal or formal. It should be tailored for purpose. The type of acknowledgement undertaken should be appropriate to the nature and size of the event or material.
“An Acknowledgement of Country can be conducted by any person and is done as a mark of respect.”
Meanwhile, a focus on inclusiveness and accessibility will be highlighted at hundreds of Australia Day community events in every state and territory this year.
More than $10 million in federal financial support has been allocated for them. Fixed grants of $10,000 are available for each event, and an additional $5000 is available for each event that includes significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elements.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and for the Public Service Patrick Gorman said Australia Day is a time for all Australians to reflect on and celebrate the rich tapestry of our ancient, diverse and multicultural nation.
“It is a day to acknowledge the past and pay respect to First Nations peoples’ survival, resilience and enduring culture,” he said.
“It is also an opportunity to embrace the many cultures and backgrounds that make up the Australian story.”
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