The man accused of booing during the Welcome to Country at the Anzac Day dawn service in Sydney’s Martin Place has been identified and remains unapologetic. Eli Toby, 24, was confronted at his parents’ home near Penrith three days after the remembrance service, which sparked widespread debate about Welcome to Country acknowledgments.
Police will allege that Toby, along with a group of other disruptors, was responsible for 66 seconds of booing during the ceremony. When asked if he had any apology to offer to the veterans and their families, Toby responded: “How’d you find me?”
Toby lives with his parents and when asked if they were aware of the incident, he said: “I haven’t told them yet. I’d rather you guys not tell them.” However, the secret has now been revealed, and this is not the first time Toby has attracted public attention. He was also present at last year’s neo-Nazi rally outside Parliament House.
When questioned about the Welcome to Country, Toby claimed “it’s not right” because “it’s designed to humiliate the memory of white Australia.” Asked whether the dawn service was the appropriate venue for his protest, he admitted: “I haven’t really given it much thought to be honest.”
Community outrage and broader debate
The disruption has triggered widespread disgust across the community, with witnesses describing their horror at the incident. “I was appalled,” one person said, while another admitted: “It actually made me cry.”
The incident has also prompted broader debate, with the RSL now reviewing the entire Welcome to Country concept. “Welcome to country has been overdone and I think that is unfortunate,” federal opposition leader Angus Taylor said.
Toby remains defiant
Despite the backlash, Toby remains defiant about his actions. “I’m not sorry for it. I should be able to say what I like,” he said. He is due to appear in court in June.
