State government asks if Anzac Day should recognise Aborigines attacked by early settlers

THE state government says it has ruled out recognising Aborigines who were killed fighting white settlers in ‘frontier conflicts’ on Anzac Day despite commissioning a survey asking Victorians if they supported move. The Opposition has accused the Premier of ‘tearing down’ Australian values.

The state government has asked Victorians if they would support Anzac Day being expanded to recognise Aborigines who were killed fighting white settlers in the past. Picture: Nicole Garmston

THE state government says it has ruled out recognising Aborigines who were killed fighting white settlers in ‘frontier conflicts’ on Anzac Day despite commissioning a survey asking Victorians if they supported move.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal that Premier Daniel Andrews’ department has surveyed people to see if the so-called “frontier wars” should be marked at the nation’s most important war commemoration event.

A copy of the report by the Department of Premier and Cabinet said that while Victorians felt they had a good understanding of what Anzac and Remembrance days stand for, “they also struggle to articulate what these events mean”. Revelations about the survey follow continuing attacks on Australia Day, with some protest groups calling it “invasion day” and agitating for the date to be changed to take into account indigenous sensitivities.

AUSTRALIA DAY 2018: THOUSANDS TURN OUT FOR PROTEST IN MELBOURNE CBD

CALL FOR INVASION DAY RALLY ORGANISER TARNEEN ONUS-WILLIAMS TO BE SACKED

The survey by the Premier’s department quizzed Victorians on their participation in and attitudes towards war commemorations across a broad range of issues, including whether there was “interest in recognition of the frontier conflicts as part of Anzac and Remembrance Day commemorative activities’’.

Veterans Minister John Eren said today that the government was “absolutely” ruling out the proposal.

“Nothing is going to happen,” he said.

But Mr Eren then went on to say that changes would only happen with the support of the Victorian Veterans Council, the RSL and other service groups.

“It would be only then, with a consultation on enhancing the commemorations and service that we provide so that more people can enjoy, respect and honour our veterans going forward,” he said.

News about the State Government canvassing changes to our most sacred day have been met with opposition from the RSL and the Institute of Public Affairs which said including the frontier wars was “nothing more than left wing ideology attempting to tear down yet another national day.’’

State opposition spokesman for scrutiny of government Tim Smith said the Andrews Government wanted to strip back all that it was to be Australian.

“First it was Australia Day, now it’s Anzac Day,” he said.

“Daniel Andrews may be ashamed to be Australian but the Liberal Nationals are not.

“Daniel Andrews is tearing down the institutions and values of our society and showing no respect to the thousands who gave their lives for what we currently have.”

The survey detailed in the government report the Social Value of Commemorative Events says “(T) he period between 1790 and 1930 where Aboriginal Australians defended their lands, kinships and customs from European invasion/settlement should be reflected in the Anzac Day ceremony.”

And it found almost a third of Victorians showed strong support for the statement, while 19 per cent strongly disagreed and half had no opinion.

But the report makes the point participants in separate qualitative community groups surveyed “were reluctant to recognise the frontier conflicts as part of Anzac or Remembrance Days- they felt this would politicise the day.

“Some said they didn’t want to feel guilty on a day where they liked to feel pride. Others said they disliked Indigenous Australians “getting more’’.’’

RSL state president Dr Rob Webster said that the frontier wars in Victoria were over well before the RSL was formed.

“Around Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, I think because of their particular significance and the days that they represent, it’s probably not appropriate (to have recognition of indigenous frontier conflicts),” he said.

“But there are other days where it may be appropriate.”

RSL state president Dr Rob Webster says the frontier wars in Victoria were over well before the RSL was formed. Picture: David Caird

Dr Webster said that the Anzac Day service started with an acknowledgment of indigenous people, and the military had been strong in its support of Aborigines.

Evan Mulholland, from free enterprise think tank the Institute of Public Affairs, said any move to include frontier wars would be extremely divisive and “nothing more than left wing ideology attempting to tear down yet another national day”.

“Anzac Day is and should always be a day to remember Australians, both indigenous and non-indigenous, that fought and died under our flag,” he said.

The survey report said there was general interest and goodwill towards the experiences of indigenous people.

“While exploration of specific events, such as the frontier conflicts, within the structure of

Anzac Day is likely to lead to resentment and conflict, the Victorians Aboriginal Remembrance Service offers a less controversial vehicle for Victorians to recognise their state’s indigenous past,” it said.

A government spokesman said that feedback from the research indicated that indigenous veterans appreciated that on Anzac Day they were part of their service unit.

“The Government has no plans to change the current program of commemorative events in Victoria, including Anzac Day,’ he said.

“We do everything we can to back our veterans and honour the sacrifice of all servicemen and women.”

RSL state president Dr Rob Webster says the Anzac Day service starts with an acknowledgment of indigenous people and the military had been strong in its support of Aborigines. Picture: Ellen Smith

The survey, which included 504 online participants, and 18 interviews with stakeholders including former Premier Ted Baillieu, the Victorian Veterans Council and the Victorian Remembrance Committee tried to gauge the social value of war events for Victorians, found that Anzac Day was the third most visited state event after Melbourne Cup and Australian Open.

A qualitative study found that participants were reluctant to endorse any changes to the formal events of the day, such as the dawn service, the minute’s silence, the bugle call and the march.

“However, some felt that there was an opportunity to introduce new activities on Anzac Day once the official formalities were over as a way ... to engage others (such as

young families) who may be unable to attend the morning events,” the report said.

“They argued that while the morning’s formalities are sacred, there may be room to ‘change things up’ in the afternoon. Suggestions included a charity concert, an Anzac exhibition, or even two-up games in Federation Square.”

The government will use the report The Social Value of War Commemorative Events to do more research this year on how commemorations impact on veterans’ wellbeing.