Opposition spokesperson for Indigenous Australians, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, says Cricket Australia needs to stay out of politics, after the body said they would engage with Traditional Owners regarding games being played on January 26.
On Tuesday, Cricket Australia (CA) committed to greater Indigenous representation at the crease and steps forward in broader areas of influence during the launch of their third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
In 2021, CA stopped referring to January 26 as Australia Day in their marketing and promotional material, and whilst there is no game being played on that date this year because of a clash with the Australian Open tennis men's final, CA said they would consult Indigenous leaders on the best way to stage cricket on the day in the future.
A culture war erupted last year when some players spoke out about their unease with playing on the day, with superstar and Muruwari woman, Ash Gardner, saying there was "disappointment" in game being scheduled on that date, whilst current Australian Test squad member and Gulidjan man, Scott Boland, said the day was one of "mourning for a lot of people".
Speaking on Sky News, Senator Price, who was routinely gone against the grain of many First Nations advocates, said CA should "stick to sport and stay out of politics".
"Why is it that all of a sudden … Cricket Australia and groups like this have to turn around and say, oh, we better consult a group of Indigenous Australians?" Senator Price asked host Peta Credlin.
"How about the fans of cricket right across the country?"
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CA has said they will play games on January 26 if the season requires it.
"Cricket Australia will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and our advisory group NATSICAG [National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Group] to ensure all matches are delivered respectfully," CA said in a statement earlier this week.
The latest RAP saw engagement from Ambassadors Boland and Kamilaroi woman Hannah Darlington, whilst NATSICAG Co-Chair and Gooreng Gooreng man, Justin Mohamed, said: "By continuing to listen, lean and grow, we can ensure that cricket remains a sport that truly reflects the diversity and richness of Australian culture."
"CA's commitment to reconciliation is a testament to its dedication to creating a more inclusive sport. We are proud of the progress made so far, but we recognise this is a journey and there is more work to do," he said.
However, Senator Price was incredulous, asking, "which Indigenous Australians" were being consulted?
"Those who were in favour of activism and changing the date of Australia Day?" she asked.
"Or those who are proud to call themselves Australian in this country, who voted No during the referendum, who are sick to death of the separatism and being painted as victims constantly?"
There was no mention of January 26 or games of cricket on the Voice referendum ballot last October.
There is also no evidence in the RAP of anyone being called a victim, with CA chief executive Nick Hockley only extolling the large benefits Indigenous players bring to the national game.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are integral to the Australian cricket story, past, present and future and we believe that cricket has the ability to connect communities and help foster deeper cultural understanding," he said.
