An RSL in Queensland has received backlash for its decision to scrap the Welcome to Country and acknowledgment at this year’s Dawn Service.

Thousands of people gathered for the Anzac Day ceremony hosted by the RSL on The Strand.

Elder and activist Gracelyn Smallwood told Seven News she found the decision “very disgraceful”.

“They (Indigenous Anzacs) returned from the war with no benefits like their white counterparts. No pensions, no tract of land because of the lack of citizenship rights,” Professor Smallwood said.

Townsville’s history and connection to Australia’s military makes the decision to not include a Welcome to Country particularly significant.

A spokesperson for Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said “the program of the event is a matter for the RSL”.

President of the Townsville RSL, Colin Mosch said the Anzac Day Dawn Service format was unanimously agreed to by the current sub-branch board who are all veterans, with significant active service

“The Townsville Anzac Day Dawn Service is about one thing, remembering those who have served Australia and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

“This year’s Dawn Service saw record attendance with the community coming together to honour ALL veterans who have served and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty.”

Like many other places across the country, the Anzac Day service in Cairns made an acknowledgment followed by a didgeridoo performance.

Booing erupted during the Welcome to Country at services in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor told ABC Insiders that while the booing was “absolutely unacceptable”, he felt Welcome to Country ceremonies were being “overused”.

“I can understand the frustration Australians feel about overuse (of) Welcomes to Country,” he said.

“I feel that at times, often actually, I think it is overused and as a result they are devalued.

“I would like to see them used less and therefore not devalued as I think they have been over time.”

West Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Punch accused Mr Taylor and WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas of siding with a “populist view”, Seven News reported.

“I would urge them to just acknowledge that we have some people who have some very strong views, some racist views, but to get over it, because Welcome to Countrys are an important part of our heritage and our Australian communities,” Mr Punch said.

“What a Welcome to Country is, it’s saying g’day, saying welcome to the land, it’s respecting First Nations culture.”