January 26 Statement

The Hungry Jack's NBL is welcoming of a day where Australia and our unique culture and way of life is celebrated, but at the same time acknowledges the conversation about whether January 26 is an appropriate day for those celebrations to occur.

Among many of the great characteristics of Australia is that important issues are given a voice, uncomfortable conversations can occur and everyone is entitled and encouraged to express their opinion in a respectful manner. 

The NBL acknowledges that January 26 is a reminder of a painful history for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and that it is not a day of celebration for all.

“We recognise the conversation around January 26 has broadened, with many Australians, not just Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, viewing the day as a reminder of a history of invasion, suffering, inequality, and a loss of freedom,” NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

“The freedom of speech allowed in Australia has enabled these important conversations to be had, and we are using our voice to stand in support of those in our community who feel wronged.”

The NBL is committed to making a tangible and significant difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on and off the court and has launched several initiatives to encourage more awareness of key issues, participation and acknowledgement.

“The NBL’s 2022/23 Indigenous Round was launched at Parliament House late last year,” Loeliger added.

“Indigenous Round is our annual celebration of the incredible contribution First Nations people have made and are making to basketball and all our players wear jerseys designed by local First Nations artists during the round.  We remain determined to ensuring that our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is not limited to those things we do during Indigenous Round – our planning and work as an organisation goes far beyond that annual celebration.

“For example, our Indigenous Player Rule provides pathways for promising First Nations basketballers, and we are proud to be the only Australian professional sporting league that provides incentives to clubs that proactively identify and recruit First Nations players.

“Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is constantly evolving as we continue on our cultural journey and find new ways to make positive changes.

“The theme for 2023’s National Reconciliation Week is Be a Voice for Generations. It is important for all of us to recognise the work of generations past and help future generations. The NBL doesn’t take this lightly and will continue to use its position as a leading sporting organisation to bring people together, create a strong and safer future, and be a voice for positive societal change.

“We know as an organisation we are still growing in this space. We are committed to facilitating more opportunities to discuss, learn about and acknowledge the past, and create a better pathway forward for all.”

The NBL is on its cultural journey, guided by its RAP and members of the RAP Working Group. To find out more, you can view the NBL’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan here.