The AFL continues to perform ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies before its games, sending the message that Australians need permission to be in their own country.

These ceremonies promote division rather than unity, forcing Australians to partake in identity politics. The ritual is unnecessary: Australians do not need to be “welcomed” to a country that already belongs to all of us.

It’s time for the AFL to listen. Sports should unite, not divide. The ‘Welcome to Country’ has become a symbol of division and alienation, distracting from the spirit of togetherness that sport represents.

Take action now to tell the AFL: Axe the ‘Welcome to Country’.