Why Aussies are calling for a boycott of Baker's Delight: 'I won't buy anything from them'
Some Australians have called for a boycott of the country's largest bakery chain after discovering its founder donates money to conservative causes.
It was revealed on Thursday that Bakers Delight founder Roger Gillespie was among several wealthy people backing lobby group Advance Australia (AA).
Mr Gillespie told the Australian Financial Statement he donated $20,000 to AA and $14,000 to the Liberal Party in 2022 because “he supported the group for its position on the (Voice) referendum.”
Indigenous Voice to Parliament was soundly defeated, losing in every state and winning only in the ACT last October.
But for some in the minority who supported the Voice, Mr. Gillespie's support for the No cause is reason enough to boycott his company.
Some progressive Australians have called for a boycott of Australia's largest bakery chain after discovering its founder donates money to conservative causes. It depicts a young woman working in a bakery
'Bakers Delight turns out not to be delicious at all. Boycott,” someone wrote on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I won't be buying anything from Bakers Delight again,” said another.
A third commenter said: 'This guy needs to be sure his political views won't affect sales.'
But there was also a lot of support for Mr Gillespie and the bakery chain.
“I will continue to support #BakersDelight, great products and sensible management,” wrote one.
'Thank you Bakers Delight, I will be sure to buy more from your stores from today!' said another.
Some personalized their attack, with one saying: 'Never shopped at #BakersDelight but definitely will now. 4 cafes to stock.
'Let them be left-wing losers. #N0 won.'
Another says that they will now buy their baked goods from the chain more often.
“Looks like I'm shopping #BakersDelight MORE. Well done management for not being afraid of the minority,” they wrote.
Some commentators pointed out that the call for a boycott was unfair because it would hurt individual store owners more than Mr. Gillespie.
“Bakers Delight stores are franchises. A boycott will not achieve anything. No one has thought about this,” one X user wrote.
Despite the nasty tone of many of the online comments, some found it an opportunity for humor.
'I boycotted this place when it first opened and they told me they don't sell meat pies in a bakery. That's an Australian #BakersDelight,” one joker wrote.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bakers Delight and Mr Gillespie for comment.
Bakers Delight founder Roger Gillespie (right) and his wife Lesley are pictured in one of their franchises