Australia: Controversial beach trend angers head of government

Reserve the sun loungers at the pool with towels at the crack of dawn – a bad habit that is particularly said for holidaymakers from Germany or Great Britain.

A similar phenomenon is currently making waves in Australia: the so-called .

It’s summer in Australia right now. It’s hot, the sun is baking and so many Australians are drawn to the beaches. And because Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, people there protect themselves particularly against UV rays. With clothing, hats, sunscreen, parasols and recently also with so-called cabanas. These are open tents or pavilions.

But it’s exactly these cabanas that cause trouble between the waves and sand. To be more precise, it’s not the cabanas themselves that are the problem – it’s the people who set them up on the beaches early in the morning to secure a good spot. This is reported by the newspaper, among others.

The “Cabana Gate” debate broke out after photos appeared on the Internet that were supposed to show the practice of reserving seats with shade providers. Residents described it as “just plain rude” and even “un-Australian”.

Beachgoers reportedly arrived early in the morning to set up their cabanas, chairs and towels, only to leave the beach and return later in the day.

The issue has now also reached the head of government. And he finds clear words for the new phenomenon on Australian beaches: “That’s not possible,” replied Anthony Albanese to a question about the debate from a moderator on breakfast television “Sunrise”.

“One of the great advantages of Australia is that you don’t have to pay to go to the beach like in other parts of the world. Here the beach belongs to everyone,” said the Prime Minister. It is a place where all Australians are equal.

“And it’s really a violation of that principle if you think you can reserve a little place for yourself.”

The two “Sunrise” presenters Jayne Azzopardi and Alex Cullen even called on the Prime Minister to legislate against the practice. He only replied with a tight lip: “Well, maybe.”

In Australia, the Australian Meteorological Service is currently warning of large parts of the country. In some parts of the country up to 30 degrees Celsius and more are expected, for example in .

In contrast, where the world-famous Bondi Beach is located, the heat – and possibly also the cabanas – will not be an issue in the next few days. Rain is forecast. It’s not supposed to get hotter again until next week.