‘Racism is a cancer’: Indigenous leaders condemn orchestrated booing at Anzac Day ceremonies

Uncle Jack Pearson, an army captain, says heckling ‘not in the Anzac spirit’ after welcome to country booed in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth Indigenous speakers booed at services while Ben Roberts-Smith attends separate Gold Coast event Marcia Langton: The AFL bans disruptive racists. Surely police can do the same for morons who boo welcome to country Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Indigenous leaders have condemned people who booed welcome to country speeches at Anzac Day dawn services across the country, with an army captain stating “racism is a cancer”. Elders who spoke at services in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth on Saturday morning were booed following a campaign by Fight for Australia, the group formerly known as March for Australia, which has previously staged major anti-immigration rallies. Uncle Jack Pearson, a Yimithurr man and a captain in the Australian army, said “racism in any shape or form is a cancer to any society”. The Indigenous military expert said there was “nothing wrong with free speech and protest”. “But it’s got to be respectful, particularly on days like this … a very special day for all Australians,” he said

Apr 25, 2026 → Apr 25, 2026