SYDNEY - Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has urged a boycott of Woolworths supermarkets after the chain decided to discontinue selling Australia Day merchandise. The move has sparked a heated debate on the role of retailers in national celebrations and the influence of public sentiment on commercial decisions.
Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci explained that the decision was based on observing a decline in demand for Australia Day items. However, this explanation has not quelled the controversy, with critics like broadcaster Steve Price expressing discontent on The Project. Price highlighted that other retailers, such as Coles, have not ceased selling Australian-themed merchandise, implying that Woolworths' choice might limit the availability of patriotic products for the public.
The call for a boycott was amplified by Barnaby Joyce, who, during a Sky News interview, supported Dutton's stance and suggested that Woolworths should concentrate on its core business of retail rather than engaging in politics.
The debate has brought to light differing perspectives on the significance of Australia Day and how it should be celebrated or acknowledged by major companies. While some view the decision as a company bowing to a "woke agenda," as Dutton stated, others see it as a business responding to changing consumer preferences.
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