Wyatt tells Dutton to “stay out” of Welcome to Country debate

Indigenous politician Ken Wyatt has told Opposition leader Peter Dutton and other politicians to “butt out” of the the ongoing Welcome to Country ceremony debate.

Wyatt, the he first Indigenous Australian to serve as a Federal minister said he was disappointed by some of the remarks on the issue.

“When you start to politicise elements of Aboriginal affairs or cultural practices, then you start a process of allowing division to occur,” he said.

“I’m disappointed with anybody who doesn’t take the time to understand the importance of friendship, welcoming and acknowledging that you are part of the community and you’re being welcomed into somebody’s home country, home region – and to politicise it just adds to the division.

“We have enough challenges in dealing with so many issues.

“Even when I was in politics, I did not venture into discussions about welcome to country because it is an invitation from an organisation and an Aboriginal community.”

On Monday, Mr Dutton said it was appropriate to have a Welcome to Country at what he termed “significant events” like the opening of parliament, but did not see the need at other events.