Ben Fordham has done it again, folks. In his latest theatrical performance on 2GB, he's managed to whip up outrage about something he clearly doesn't understand: the difference between an Acknowledgement of Country and a Welcome to Country. But don't worry, we're here to clear things up – with facts, not feelings.
Let's start with the basics that seem to have escaped Mr Fordham, his media colleagues and his concerned parent emailer:
Acknowledgement of Country vs Welcome to Country: The Facts
An Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by anyone – Indigenous or non-Indigenous. It's a way of showing respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country. It takes about 30 seconds.
A Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by Traditional Owners (or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with appropriate cultural authority) to welcome visitors to their Country. This is a formal ceremony that can only be delivered by specific people.
See the difference, Ben? Still need more info? Check out our comprehensive article here.
The children at Possums' Corner are doing an Acknowledgement – something entirely appropriate for anyone to do. But here's where it gets interesting: Fordham's article deliberately conflates these two distinct practices, even citing an IPA survey about "Welcome to Country ceremonies" when discussing Acknowledgements. This isn't journalism; it's manipulation.
The "Daily" Drama
Fordham clutches his pearls about daily Acknowledgements, crying "not every damn day!" But let's put this in perspective. These same children likely:
- Say a daily morning greeting
- Sing the same songs repeatedly
- Have daily story time
- Practice counting every day
- Learn their ABCs… wait for it… daily
Repetition is literally how children learn. It's called pedagogy, Ben. Look it up.
"Not Age-Appropriate"? Let's Talk Early Childhood Development
The parent claimed this isn't "age-appropriate" for 3–4-year-olds. Really? Let's examine what Possums' Corner actually does:
- Children sit in a yarning circle (sitting in circles – revolutionary!)
- Share stories (age-appropriate? Check!)
- Play music (definitely age-appropriate)
- Dance around a pretend campfire (imaginative play is crucial at this age)
These activities align perfectly with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which emphasises:
- Belonging
- Cultural competence
- Respect for diversity
- Connection to community
You know what's actually not age-appropriate? Teaching children that showing respect for the world's oldest continuous culture is "virtue signalling."
The EYLF: Not Just a Suggestion
Here's what Fordham conveniently failed to mention: the Early Years Learning Framework isn't some woke conspiracy. It's the national curriculum framework endorsed by ALL Australian governments – Liberal and Labor – to ensure quality early childhood education. It specifically requires educators to:
"Engage in culturally competent practice" and "Value and respect Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures" (EYLF V2.0, 2022, p.23).
Source: Australian Government Department of Education - EYLF V2.0
The Real Division
Fordham quotes someone saying this teaches "division." You know what actually creates division? Media personalities who:
- Deliberately confuse different cultural practices
- Manufacture outrage over 30-second acknowledgements
- Use inflammatory language like "forced" when discussing age-appropriate activities
- Platform anonymous complaints without context
The systematic blurring of lines between Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country by certain media outlets isn't accidental – it's a deliberate tactic to create confusion and stoke cultural tensions. When you can't argue against something on its merits, muddy the waters until people don't know what they're angry about anymore.
Let's Address the Hysteria
"Forced"? Children are "required" to participate in all sorts of daily activities. They're "forced" to wash their hands, "forced" to pack away toys, "forced" to be kind to others. We call this "education" and "socialisation."
"Virtue signalling"? Teaching respect for Indigenous cultures in a country where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived for over 65,000 years isn't virtue signalling – it's basic decency and historical accuracy.
The Numbers Game
Fordham cites an IPA survey (the Institute of Public Affairs – a conservative think tank, shocker) claiming 56% of Australians find Welcome to Country ceremonies "divisive." But wait – the article is about Acknowledgement of Country. See what they did there? Classic misdirection.
Even if we took these numbers at face value, since when did we decide education curriculum based on opinion polls? Should we stop teaching evolution because some people find it controversial?
What This Is Really About
This manufactured outrage isn't about protecting children or age-appropriate activities. It's about resistance to any recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. It's about maintaining a status quo where the mere acknowledgement of Indigenous connection to Country is seen as threatening.
When a 30-second acknowledgement performed by toddlers can trigger a media meltdown, we need to ask: what are they really afraid of?
The Bottom Line
Possums' Corner is following nationally mandated curriculum guidelines. They're providing culturally inclusive education through age-appropriate activities. They're teaching respect, history, and community connection.
Ben Fordham is confusing basic terminology, spreading misinformation, and manufacturing outrage for ratings.
Who's really creating division here?
To the parents concerned about their children participating in daily Acknowledgements: your children are learning respect, history, and empathy. They're engaging in music, storytelling, and imaginative play. They're following a curriculum designed by education experts and endorsed by governments across the political spectrum.
If that threatens you, perhaps the problem isn't with the daycare.
P.S. Ben, if you're reading this, we run excellent professional development sessions on cultural competency. Just saying.
