Booing has once again disrupted Welcome to Country ceremonies at Anzac Day dawn services across the country, drawing condemnation from veterans and political leaders.
In Melbourne, as thousands gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance, boos rang out when Bunurong Elder Mark Brown began his Welcome to Country.
The heckling continued throughout the welcome, even as many in the crowd applauded to drown it out. The scenes echoed those from last year, when he was also booed and heckled by neo-Nazis.
Booing was also heard when Margaret Gardner acknowledged the Bunurong people of the eastern Kulin nation at the start of her address.
After the ceremony, East Timor and Afghanistan veteran and RSL ambassador Ricky Morris told the ABC: "For me to stand alongside Uncle Mark, a true warrior of the Bunurong people, how he conducted himself today is [nothing] short of extraordinary."
"I didn't hear much booing because of the applauding of our audience that were there to respect the traditions of what Anzac Day is about," he said.
In Sydney, an Acknowledgment of Country by Pastor Uncle Ray Minniecon was met by a small but vocal group of hecklers, before loud applause from much of the crowd in support of Uncle Ray.
Police said a 24-year-old man was arrested for "an alleged act of nuisance" during the service, with several others moved on.
"We do have laws to try and deter people from this but it seems like these people still want to be lawless," Uncle Minniecon said after the ceremony.
"They just need to realise their place in this country ... and show their deepest respect."
Returned and Services League of Australia acting president retired brigadier Vince Williams told the ABC: "I apologise unreservedly to Uncle Ray ... his family has contributed enormously to our nation through from the First World War to the current day."
"I'm pretty convinced that none of the bunch of louts who were booing have ever done anything constructive for our nation," he added.
In Boorloo/Perth, Whadjuk Noongar Elder and veteran Di Ryder was also booed during her Welcome to Country and opening address.
After her speech, RSL WA chief executive and MC Stephen Barton condemned the disruption, drawing applause from the crowd.
"Di, on behalf of RSL and veteran community, I offer my heartfelt thank you for that acknowledgement to country," he said. "It [the booing] was one of the most disgraceful things I have ever heard."
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told ABC News Breakfast the booing and heckling was "deeply disappointing".
"Acknowledgements to Country are just an act of respect, and what characterises today is that it is a day of respect," he said.
"To boo in that way goes completely against that. It is deeply disgraceful."
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who had warned against heckling before Anzac Day, also condemned those who interrupted Uncle Mark's welcome.
"To break the stillness of Dawn Service is not just ugly behaviour towards our Aboriginal servicemen and women who defended this country — it disrespects everyone who fought for our freedoms," she said.
"Politicising this sacred day is bastardry. I condemn it and so should every leader."
With AAP
