Queensland Woolworths store vandalised following decision to axe Australia Day merchanise

The supermarket was hit by vandals who spray painted the words ‘boycott Woolies’ following the company’s decision to stop selling Australia Day merchandise.

A Woolworths store has been vandalised with a message telling shoppers to “boycott Woolies”, following the supermarket’s commitment to no longer sell Australia Day merchandise due to dropping demand.

Police and firefighters were called to the store at Commercial Rd, Teneriffe in inner-city Brisbane about 5.10am Monday following reports of the graffiti, and concerns a flare had been ignited in-store.

On the store’s shop front, the words: “5 days 26 Jan Aussie Oi Oi Woolies F*** U,” and “boycott Woolies” had been spray painted.

A crime scene has since been declared, with police investigating the incident.

The supermarket was briefly closed on Monday morning but it has since resumed trade.

Police were called to the Woolworths Metro store in Teneriffe on Monday morning. Picture: ABC News

A spokesperson from Woolworths said the company is grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene.

“Thankfully no team members or customers were injured as this occurred before the store opened,” the spokesperson said.

“There’s no reason for vandalism and we’ll continue to liaise with Queensland Police.”

The act of vandalism comes as Woolworths Group, which also owns Big W, announced it would not be stocking Australia Day merchandise this year due to a “ gradual decline in demand,” joining retailers like Aldi, Kmart.

“At the same time there’s been broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community,” read a statement from the company.

The act of vandalism follows the decision from Woolworths Group to stop selling Australia Day merchandise. Picture: ABC News

The controversial move has led to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton calling for shoppers to boycott the supermarket.

On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Mr Dutton’s comments came at a cost to the hundreds and thousands of Australians they employ.

“His big statement was to call for a boycott of Woolworths as well as I assume Aldi and Kmart - they employ over 200,000 Australians,” he told reporters.

“He needs to explain whether that boycott is forever, or whether it’s just until Australia Day and what the impact on those people who work for these companies will be.”

As Political leaders we need to be respectful and value our nation’s enviable social cohesion.
Peter Dutton’s stunt during the week is nothing short of shameful - he’s entering a dangerous realm of divisive politics#auspol#integritypic.twitter.com/lEFvpZlteZ

— Dr Sophie Scamps MP (@SophieScamps) January 15, 2024

Other senior leaders have joined Mr Albanese to condemn Mr Dutton’s remarks, with Independent MP Sophie Scamps labelling the boycott call as “shameful” and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt tweeting coverage of the incident saying that “words matter, especially from political leaders.”

Labor MP Julian Hill released a statement accusing the Opposition Leader of putting workers at risk.

“Peter Dutton is not a leader. He’s a bully and a fake-tough coward who always seeks to divide Australians,” Mr Hill said.