A sign of the times? Vandals’ graffiti attack on Brisbane Woolies shop ‘an outrage’
A Woolworths store has been tagged with pro-Australia Day graffiti as the prime minister slammed the opposition leader over his call for a boycott of the supermarket giant.
Police are seen at the Woolworths Metro store in the suburb of Teneriffe which has been tagged with profanities and pro-Australia Day graffiti in Brisbane, Monday, January 15, 2024. The Prime Minister has warned Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to consider the impact his call for a Woolworths boycott could have on supermarket workers. (AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING
Vandals hit the Woolworths Metro in the Brisbane suburb of Teneriffe before opening time on Monday morning, painting “5 days 26 Jan Aussie Oi Oi Woolies f*** u” on its exterior.
A flare was also set off, prompting the temporary evacuation of nearby apartments, the ABC has reported.
Police are investigating but a Woolworths spokesperson confirmed that no employees or customers were injured.
“We’re grateful to the police and fire brigade who attended,” they said in a statement to AAP.
“There’s no reason for vandalism and we’ll continue to liaise with Queensland Police.”
The attack came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned federal Oppositiion Leader Peter Dutton to consider the impact his boycott call could have on supermarket employees.
On Thursday Mr Dutton took to the airwaves to condemn the grocery giant after Woolworths announced it would not stock Australia Day-themed paraphernalia due to declining sales over recent years.
Though the opposition leader has previously denounced “cancel culture”, he called on Australians to boycott Woolworths, decrying its decision as an “outrage” and “against the national interest”.
Other retailers including Aldi and Kmart have also revealed they will not stock Australia Day merchandise.
Mr Albanese added to the conversation on Monday, warning Mr Dutton to think about workers.
“His big statement was to call for a boycott of Woolworths as well as I assume Audi and Kmart – they employ over 200,000 Australians,” he told ABC radio.
“He needs to explain whether that boycott is forever, or whether it’s just until Australia Day and what the impact on those people who work for these companies will be.”
January 26 has become the subject of increasing scrutiny as more Australians oppose that date for Australia Day and recognise the sense of mourning by Indigenous communities who have felt the impacts of colonisation since 1788.
In recent years, Invasion or Survival Day rallies have been strongly attended across all capital cities, but many Australians continue to enjoy January 26 festivities.
Rival supermarket chain Coles will continue to sell Australia Day items.
