The stunning move of Woolworths' Aboriginal flag after the supermarket's backlash over the Australia Day decision
Woolworths could soon fly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside its stores as part of the supermarket giant's reconciliation action plan.
Many organizations across Australia have reconciliation action plans that promote the development of relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and communities.
One of the actions in Woolworths' plan reads: 'Where possible, display Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside stores, venues and support offices.'
The revelation comes as the supermarket giant faces intense backlash for dumping Australia Day merchandise, with Woolworths further infuriating customers for still promoting Australia Day weekend specials.
Woolworths defended the offers, saying the supermarket wanted Australians to enjoy “a wide range of great value food deals”.
Woolworths could soon fly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside its stores as part of the supermarket giant's reconciliation action plan
The timeline of the action for installing the flags was listed for review as January this year to January 2025.
It is unclear how many stores will have flags outside, or whether the Australian flag will also be displayed.
Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags fly outside Woolworths' Sydney headquarters.
“Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia where First Nations peoples have equal access to the essential products, services and opportunities they need to truly thrive for a better future,” the supermarket's RAP said.
It comes after a Woolworths shopper questioned why the supermarket is offering food specials over the Australia Day long weekend, following the announcement it would not stock merchandise for the holiday.
The customer in Balmain, western Sydney, said she had received an advertisement from Woolworths offering food deals for next weekend.
The revelation comes as the supermarket giant faces intense backlash for dumping merchandise on Australia Day
A Woolworths customer questioned why the supermarket is offering food specials over the Australia Day long weekend, after announcing it would not have merchandise in stock for the holiday
“Why are you sending me promotional texts about food specials if you don't support the holiday!” she wrote.
The supermarket giant was criticized after announcing last week that it would not be selling Australian-themed items for the holiday.
A spokesperson said their focus was on offering food and products for all occasions, including Australia Day.
“Customers across all our stores can also expect a range of great value food offers and special offers next week to enjoy with family and friends in the lead up to and ahead of the Australia Day long weekend,” a spokesperson said.
Woolworths previously said demand for Australia Day merchandise has gradually declined in recent years.
“At the same time, there has been a broader discussion about January 26 and what it means for different parts of the community,” their statement read.
'We know that many people like to use this day as a time to come together and we offer a wide variety of products to help customers celebrate the day as they choose.
“Woolworths and BIG W celebrate the best of Australia every day, and we are proud to support the farmers, producers and suppliers who work with us.”
The decision to ax Australia Day-themed merchandise led to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton calling on Australians to boycott the supermarket altogether.