The results of the poll come amidst a decision by major Australian supermarkets Woolworths and Aldi to not stock items for the national celebration. A poll of 1,000 Australians reveals that the majority of the population supports Australia Day being celebrated on Jan. 26. The news comes amid renewed controversy around Australia’s national day, particularly as multiple corporations have indicated they will not put out merchandise ahead of the public holiday. According to the data, only 17 percent of people disagree with celebrating Australia Day on Jan. 26, while 20 percent neither agree nor disagree.
The survey also showed that 87 percent of people agreed with the statement “I am proud to be an Australian,” with only 4 percent disagreeing with this question and 9 percent neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Daniel Wild, deputy executive director of the Institute of Public Affairs, noted that despite the continued campaign by the “political class” and “elites” to denigrate and cancel the national day, a strong majority still support it. Support for retaining the current date for Australia Day dropped to only 42 percent among those aged between 18 to 24. Out of this age group, 30 percent disagree with the national day, while 28 percent neither agree nor disagree. Support for celebrating Australia Day was highest among those aged over 55, with 71 percent of respondents indicating support for the national day. Mr. Wild expressed his concern at the support for Australia Day among those adults under the age of 24, attributing the decrease in support to “relentless indoctrination taking place at schools and universities.”
The poll result comes after major supermarket giant Woolworths revealed it would not be stocking special Australia Day merchandise ahead of the public holiday. This led to Opposition leader Peter Dutton calling on Australians to “boycott” Woolworths. However, Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt claimed that Mr. Dutton was engaging in a “culture war.” Aldi, Australia’s third-largest supermarket chain, also revealed it would not sell Australia Day themed products ahead of the big day. However, the Reject Shop indicated it would stock Australian-themed merchandise for Australia Day, along with items related to cricket and tennis events.