Premier Roger Cook has strongly condemned a small group of hecklers who booed Indigenous veteran Di Ryder while she delivered the acknowledgement of country address at the Kings Park Anzac Day dawn service.
"For anyone to disrespect one of our elders and a veteran themselves is just disgusting and disrespectful," Mr Cook said immediately after the incident.
Mr Cook later suggested that the disruption appeared to be part of a coordinated effort targeting services across the country. "The behaviour, which was seen at services across the country, was clearly a coordinated effort to divide our community," he stated.
"It disrespects what our veterans fought for - a free, democratic and inclusive Australia, where everyone who lives here can be safe from discrimination and vilification. And the response was perfectly Western Australian - a loud round of applause in support of Di."
The Premier commended WA RSL chief executive Stephen Barton for "calling that disgraceful act out" immediately after it happened.
RSLWA State President Duncan Anderson shared the Premier's frustration, labeling those responsible "cretins" who had turned their backs on the spirit of the day. "Anzac Day, particularly the dawn service, is a politics free-zone," Mr Anderson said. "Di Ryder is a proud veteran, and not only did they disrespect her heritage, they disrespected the fact that she's a veteran."
Other Anzac Day services around the country were also targeted by hecklers, suggesting a potential coordinated campaign. National RSL President Peter Tinley said the organisation was "appalled".
"The RSL is 110 years old and this is a blight on all veterans," he said. "There are 364 other days you can protest on. Ironically we fought for the right to have the freedom of speech, and that is a mutual contract to act within the character of what it is to be an ANZAC."
Mr Tinley highlighted that many First Nations' people have served in wars, fighting for the freedoms Australians currently enjoy. "Anzac Day is for Australians to commemorate all those who have served and sacrificed in defence of our nation, and many First Nations' peoples also served and continue to serve," he said.
"It is the most sacred day on our national calendar, a time for quiet reflection, unity and respect in honour the service and sacrifice of all who have served in our Defence Forces. While the overwhelming majority of those who attend Anzac Day services do so with great dignity and respect, a very small number of ill-informed people choose to exhibit loutish and disruptive behaviour."
"The Acknowledgement or Welcome to Country is a key part of Anzac Day commemorations and recognises Australia's history as well as the First Nations' people who have served. While disruptions are drowned out by the positive response of the vast majority of attendees, this loutish behaviour is strongly condemned. While the RSL has encouraged all Australians to commemorate Anzac Day, those who show disrespect do not belong at our nation's solemn ceremonies."
Mr Tinley said people who criticised acknowledgement of country ceremonies were out of touch with modern Australia. "We are all Australians," he said. "And we have made great strides in reconciliation and inclusion and these sorts of behaviours do not align with contemporary generations of Australians."
The Premier said the boos and heckling were at odds with everything Anzac Day represents. "It is a day which deserves reverence and solemnity," he said. "This is an important time for everyone to come together in an act of peace, respect and tolerance."
"Anzac Day is a day that we come together with a sense of strength, unity and resilience to honour sacrifice," he added. "We owe it not just to those who have served, but all Australians to keep it focused on that goal."
