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Sky News contributor Joe Hildebrand has slammed the Australian Open’s decision to remove Australia Day celebrations as a “ridiculous virtue-signalling gesture” that is “counterproductive” to making any meaningful difference.

The Australian Open has come under fire for scrapping Australia Day celebrations. Each year, they induct an Australian tennis legend into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame, in which they erect a bronze bust of the player.

This year, it is Lleyton Hewitt, but they have changed the date of that event from Australia Day to January 24.

“I think it’s just that absurdity of it,” Mr Hildebrand told Sky News contributor Steve Price.

“The idea that these sorts of ridiculous virtue-signalling gestures are going to make any difference … is absolutely ridiculous – in fact, it puts people off even considering or wanting to address these issues.

“This sort of stuff is what cost the Yes vote its victory … and it’s just so counterproductive, self-destructive, idiotic – you could use any name.”