Aldi makes call on Australia Day merch as outrage erupts

Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross Published January 12, 2024 at 7.00am (AWST)

German supermarket chain Aldi will join Woolworths in not stocking Australia Day merchandise in its stores this year.

According to reports, specialised products will not be available for purchase in any of Aldi's 590 locations around the country.

The news comes after Woolies sparked a debate in ditching themed products citing "gradual decline" in demand and "broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community" in announcing their decision earlier this week.

The move extends to Woolworths Group subsidiary Big W.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton called the decision an "outrage" and urged Australians to "boycott" Woolworths in response.

On Thursday morning Indigenous leader Warren Mundine agreed he was "infuriated" by the announcement and criticised company executives before following up to slam Aldi in an evening radio interview.

It comes despite the Voice to Parliament 'No' vote figure publicly advocating to "change the date" in recent times.

"It's the same decision? I think they're (Aldi) disgraceful," Mr Mundine told Nine Radio.

"They're coming here making money out of Australians and selling stuff to Australians and they're rubbishing us.

"Give us a break… I'm sick and tired of it now.

"I'm just sick and tired of these corporations…get your act together."

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Mundine said corporations are falling "out of touch" with reference to October's referendum.

"The vote was 60 to 40. And yet they keep on coming out and trying to push this this nonsense that don't make us ashamed of who we are and what our country is," he said.

He said the focus from Aldi should be what is "good for Australia".

"A good thing for Australia is that you supply the food and merchandise and everything that Australians want to buy."

Kmart stopped stocking Australia Day products in 2023.

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