Nationals Page MP Kevin Hogan blasts Woolworths over Australia Day decision

A northern NSW MP has joined contentious calls to boycott a leading supermarket giant after it made a decision to pull Australia Day merchandise from shelves. See why the community is fired up.

Northern NSW Nationals MP Kevin Hogan has taken a fiery stance on Woolworths’ decision to ditch Australia Day merchandise from its shelves ahead of January 26, saying he is “boycotting” the supermarket giant.

Woolworths confirmed on Wednesday no Australia Day merchandise would be sold in its supermarkets or Big W stores for the public holiday. German supermarket king Aldi followed suit and said they would also be implementing the product-ban.

It comes as rival Coles announced it would be stocking the Aussie-themed merchandise, which will likely include the usual suspects; Union Jack-adorned flags, caps, frisbees and of course – the humble double plugger.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been criticised by some and applauded by others for stoking culture wars by calling for a Woolworths boycott.

Australia Day has come to be labelled “Invasion Day” by some Indigenous groups and individuals.

Kevin Hogan isn’t having a bar of the Aussie Day merch ban. Picture Cath Piltz

Page MP Mr Hogan took to Facebook on Thursday to share his views.

He said: “if Woolies isn’t into Australia Day, I am not into them”.

“I AM BOYCOTTING WOOLWORTHS,” he wrote in capped letters, as if to shout it from the rooftops.

“Woolworths confirmed that no Australia Day merchandise would be sold in supermarkets this year. If Woolies isn’t into Australia Day, I am not into them,” he wrote.

“They should be trying to lower their prices not making political statements.

“We have some great independent grocers and other options in our community. That’s where I will be shopping.”

Further speaking with NewsLocal, Mr Hogan said he stood by his comments, but was “aware of the cultural sensitivities surrounding Australia Day”.

“I appreciate and respect all views when it comes to Australia Day, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for a huge corporation like Woolworths to take a moral stance on something, on behalf of not only its customers, but also its shareholders,” he said.

Mr Hogan said he agreed with comments made by Peter Dutton, and labelled the decision as “outrageous”.

Broleman cartoon. Jan 11, 2024. Picture: News Corp.

The post attracted hundreds of comments, most of which backed Mr Hogan’s sentiments.

Audrey Collins wrote: “I support Australia and Australia Day. I no longer support Woolworths.”

The post attracted hundred of comments. Picture: Facebook

Murray Connell echoed the sentiment: “They are happy to support Halloween (an American tradition) but can’t be bothered to support Australia Day … They have lost their way.”

But Kim Clark said the choice should be up to the consumer: “Some people want to be vegetarian but Woolies still sell meat, others want to eat free range eggs but they still have cage eggs. The choice should be up to the consumer what products they buy.”

Woolworths has been joined by German supermarket giant Aldi in its decision to stop stocking the products. Picture: News Corp.

An angry Graham Saunders wrote: “What is the matter with these companies? Now it seems like people don’t like the country they live in. Well find a better one. It’s situations like this that is making Australia a laughing stock. Shame.”

Cheryl Brushe wrote: “I bet Woolworths will be baking thousands of Anzac biscuits for Australia Day. You don’t get it both ways.”

Warwick Murphy wrote: “What an appalling decision by this company. They have lost me and my family.”

The post even prompted an employee to say “I am a Woolies worker and I am disgusted in the company too!”

Lea Whaites wrote: “I feel inclined to fill my trolley to the brim, take it to the checkout and abandon it. Then repeat.”

Several accused the supermarket giant of having a “woke” agenda, with scores of users labelling the retailer as “Wokeworths”.

Woolworths has been contacted for comment.