Annual dawn services across Australia marking Anzac Day were disrupted on Saturday by loud booing during ceremonies in several major cities, drawing widespread condemnation from political leaders, veterans, and Indigenous communities. The incidents occurred in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, where thousands gathered before sunrise to honor the nation’s war dead. Traditionally marked by silence and reflection, the services were interrupted as some attendees heckled elders delivering Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country addresses. At the Sydney service in Martin Place, an Acknowledgement of Coun

Annual dawn services across Australia marking Anzac Day were disrupted on Saturday by loud booing during ceremonies in several major cities, drawing widespread condemnation from political leaders, veterans, and Indigenous communities.

The incidents occurred in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, where thousands gathered before sunrise to honor the nation’s war dead. Traditionally marked by silence and reflection, the services were interrupted as some attendees heckled elders delivering Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country addresses.

At the Sydney service in Martin Place, an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Indigenous elder and veteran Uncle Ray Minniecon was met with boos, which were audible on live national broadcasts.

Speaking after the ceremony, Minniecon condemned the behavior, saying,

“We do have laws to try and deter people from this but it seems like these people still want to be lawless.”

He added,

“We have experienced this type of racism for over 230-odd years. It really is a whitefella problem, not a Blackfella problem.”

In Perth, similar scenes unfolded at Kings Park, where Whadjuk Noongar Elder Di Ryder,  herself a veteran, was booed during a Welcome to Country address, and police issued 14 move-on notices to members of the crowd.

Despite the disruptions, many attendees applauded in support of the speakers, helping to drown out the heckling.

Political leaders strongly condemned the incidents. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said,

“To break the stillness of Dawn Service is not just ugly behavior towards our Aboriginal servicemen and women who defended this country, it disrespects everyone who fought for our freedoms. Politicizing this sacred day is bastardry. I condemn it and so should every leader.”

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles also denounced the behavior, saying: "It is deeply disgraceful."

Veterans’ representatives echoed the criticism. Retired brigadier Vincent Williams of the Returned and Services League said,

“There is no place for such disruption or disrespect on ANZAC Day. Australians rightly expect to come together in the spirit of unity, to honor service with the respect it deserves.”

He also called those responsible “louts,” saying:

“I’m pretty convinced that none of that bunch of louts who were booing have ever done anything constructive for our nation.”

Police confirmed at least one arrest in Sydney, while others were removed from ceremonies in different cities.

While services continued after the disruptions, the incidents have sparked a broader national debate about respect, inclusivity, and the role of Indigenous recognition in public commemorations.

Anzac Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops at Gallipoli during World War I and remains one of the most significant days of remembrance in both countries.

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