Australian Venue Co, the owner of numerous pubs across Australia, has once again found itself at the center of controversy as it approaches Australia Day. After stirring public ire last year by declaring it wouldn't host celebrations on January 26 because of the sadness it can invoke, the company issued apologies and reluctantly acknowledged its missteps. Yet, it appears to be repeating its stance by now casting the national holiday as merely the 'long weekend'.
Last year’s uproar began when Australian Venue Co announced it would not recognize January 26, which marks the arrival of the First Fleet and the start of British colonization. The decision was met with backlash, prompting the company to take a step back. “It certainly wasn’t our intention to offend anyone,” said one spokesperson, expressing their wish to create inclusive environments at their locations rather than divide opinions. They added, “Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always.”
Fast forward to January 2024, and the company is again facing scrutiny. This year, rather than mentioning Australia Day, its promotional material refers to the upcoming January 26 as the 'long weekend'. The omission of the two words 'Australia Day' has angered many, leading to accusations of hypocrisy from critics who feel the company's approach is fundamentally disrespectful to national sentiment.
This has raised alarms among public figures, including Coalition Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. She stated, “Avoiding the words Australia Day was equal to 'telling people not to celebrate Australia Day'.” This sentiment resonates with many who share her concerns, as over 69 percent of Australians still support commemorations on the official date.
Price criticized Australian Venue Co’s strategy, stating, “It’s un-Australian and anyone who wants to celebrate, reflect and be grateful for our democratic and prosperous nation should go elsewhere this weekend and support those businesses who aren’t ashamed or afraid to celebrate our nation either.”
Others, such as conservative commentator Steve Price, echoed these frustrations. On the show The Project, he dismissed the company's apology, remarking, “Apology not accepted. When are these finger-waving woke corporations going to wake up to the fact we don’t want them to tell us what to do on Australia Day?”
Public anger at Australian Venue Co isn’t entirely one-sided. The spirit of the community's reaction reflects broader tensions surrounding Australia Day itself, which has become increasingly contentious over recent years. Debates surrounding cultural sensitivities, particularly concerning Indigenous rights and histories, challenge the notion of national pride for many. Indigenous leader Warren Mundine also weighed in, asserting, “Let’s stick it up these bigots who hate Australia.” He urged locals to dress up in the Australian flag and hold celebrations at home instead of supporting venues like Australian Venue Co.
While Australian Venue Co seeks to redefine how it engages with the national holiday, it inadvertently perpetuates division within communities. Its venues will instead host events for non-Australia Day celebrations such as the Super Bowl and National Lasagna Day, amplifying the dissatisfaction among patrons who feel sidelined.
Audience reactions point to the societal backlash against foreign ownership, as Australian Venue Co operates under the auspices of Hong Kong-based private equity fund PAG, which acquired the company for about $1.4 billion. Mundine emphasized the disconnect: “These foreigners are happy to take our money and look down their noses at us.”
The decisions made by Australian Venue Co vividly mirror the sensitive intersection of national identity and corporate operations. With protests planned for January 26 involving up to 30,000 demonstrators, tensions will likely escalate. Victoria Police have expressed awareness of the upcoming planned protests and will maintain heightened visibility throughout the day.
The divide evident within public sentiment concerning celebrations on January 26 has found itself at the forefront of discussions as voices from various communities call to reclaim Australia Day as a time of national unity rather than division. While businesses like Australian Venue Co tread carefully for monetary reasons, they are reminded of the fervor present within everyday Australians who cherish the national holiday.
The path leading to January 26 remains fraught with emotion, urging reflection and consideration over how Australia chooses to commemorate its history.