Fed: Outcry over Diggers name prompts rethink

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2001
Fed: Outcry over Diggers name prompts rethink

Athletics Australia says it may have misjudged public sentiment for the term The Diggers
as objections to the new national athletics team nickname continue to flood in.

The controversial name was launched yesterday and was described by officials as a
name that transcended race, gender and religion.

But it immediately raised the ire of federal and state governments, the RSL and the
National Servicemen's Association of Australia.

The association has written to Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD asking him to protect the
name "Diggers" against commercialisation.

The association says that like the word Anzac, Diggers should be restricted to war
veterans, and AA's grab of the name is a blatant dash for cash.

Veterans Affairs Minister BRUCE SCOTT has called for AA to drop the name, while Victorian
RSL president BRUCE RUXTON has warned AA it is inappropriate.

AA chief executive SIMON ALLATSON (ALLATSON) says the association will consider scrapping
the name.

AAP RTV ce/jlw/jh/jas

KEYWORD: ATHS NAMES (MELBOURNE)

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