Opposition leader Angus Taylor has accused Cricket Australia of "woke moralising" as debate continues over whether the national anthem will be played at the upcoming Big Bash League final on Australia Day. The sporting organization has yet to announce its decision on the matter.
Cricket Australia has not scheduled matches on Australia Day in 2025 or 2024, but in 2021, the organization opted to stop using the term "Australia Day." This decision previously drew criticism from then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The decision to schedule the BBL final on Australia Day is part of a strategy to address declining interest in the league.
Taylor expressed his views on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "While it's welcome news that cricket will again be played on Australia Day, Cricket Australia's decision not to play our national anthem is yet more tone deaf woke moralising." He added, "Our nation's achievements far outweigh the wrongdoings, and our nation is worth celebrating." Taylor urged Cricket Australia to "proudly play our national anthem" and reflect the views of "the overwhelming majority of Australians" who are grateful for their country.
Cricket Australia responded to Taylor's comments, calling his statement "inaccurate reporting and commentary." The organization clarified, "It is incorrect to say the national anthem is being specifically excluded. We play the national anthem at international matches but do not usually do so at domestic matches, including the BBL final." They further stated that decisions regarding on-field ceremonies for Australia Day would be made closer to the event in consultation with relevant clubs and stakeholders.
Former senator and Indigenous Olympian Nova Peris offered a more measured perspective. "Division gets us nowhere," Peris told CODE. "I have watched so much division in this country. As an Aboriginal woman whose mother was part of the stolen generation, I feel their pain and I have my pain." She emphasized that while injustices still occur, the country has taken steps toward reconciliation. Peris suggested that the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Island flags could fly together, or a moment of silence could acknowledge the fallen before the national anthem is sung. "The anthem's words are beautiful," she stated, adding that with the 2032 Brisbane Olympics approaching, it's important not to set a precedent that the anthem is negative, especially as the nation faces an identity crisis and must "co-exist."