A council in Western Australia is considering a bid to scrap Acknowledgments of Country. 

Aboriginal leaders are expressing their disapproval of a proposal by a Harvey shire Councillor Craig Carbone, who wants to scrap the acknowledgement and end Welcome to Country ceremonies, which are typically conducted by local Aboriginal leaders and elders.

Carbone has described the ceremonies as “tokenistic” and “virtue signalling”, citing the recent rejection of the Voice to Parliament as a shift in public attitude.

South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council chair Megan Krakouer has called the idea “disgraceful” and “appalling”, saying that the referendum outcome should not affect acknowledging traditional owners. 

Harvey Aboriginal Corporation chair Greg Little has also expressed disappointment in Carbone's proposal and found it irrelevant to the Shire of Harvey.

The Shire of Harvey is the second south west WA council to discuss the future of these acknowledgments. Three councillors from the nearby City of Bunbury voted against its new Acknowledgement of Country in July, with one stating Aboriginal people did not warrant blanket recognition because some were "not pure".

Carbone has defended his proposal, stating that he seeks better outcomes for Indigenous people but believes the current practices are no longer suitable. 

He conceded that they have a place on special occasions, such as the Indigenous round of the South West Football League.

Carbone claims to have spoken with some Aboriginal people who supported his position but had not consulted with the Harvey Aboriginal Corporation. 

Shire of Harvey President Michelle Campbell says she intends to speak with the Harvey Aboriginal Corporation before the proposal's vote and stressed that it represents Carbone's personal view.