The report said centenary planners did not know what recently arrived Australians thought of the idea, and there was concern about how to involve and include “non-Anglo” groups, especially those who were once enemies.
The centenary of Anzac Day is fast-approaching.
The 21st century is closing in on Australian authorities planning the centenary of Anzac Day.
Researchers have warned that celebrations could cause divisions within the nation’s multicultural society, upset former enemies and inflame tensions if the nation was embroiled in an unpopular war in April 2015.
On the other hand, many Australians would be incensed if the celebrations were watered down to satisfy political correctness, failed to respect past traditions, or were diminished by gambling and boozing “like Australia Day”, focus groups told social researcher Colmar Brunton.
The company was hired by the Veterans Affairs Department to judge attitudes to the centenary, which is being planned by a federal commission that has already presented the Government with a range of recommendations.
“Commemorating our military history in a multicultural society is something of a double-edged sword,” the Colmar Brunton report said.
“While 100th anniversaries are thought to provide some opportunity for creating a greater sense of unity, it is also recognised as a potential area of divisiveness.”
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