2 weeks Ago By Kellie Balaam
Mackenzie Arnold has called on Immigration Minister Tony Burke to make Milo an official rite of passage for new Australian citizens. The soccer star has launched a national petition asking the minister to include the beloved chocolate-malty drink in the Australian citizenship test. The petition comes as new YouGov research revealed that 76 per cent of Australians agree that drinking Milo is part of the true Aussie experience, with more than a third backing it as something every Australian resident should try.
Arnold penned an open letter to Mr Burke calling for him to recognise the drink’s contribution to our culture over the past 90 years. “Proud Milo-drinking Aussies agree that this delicious drink has earned a place in the bedrock of what it means to be an Aussie,” she wrote. “To celebrate 90 years of Milo, I think it’s high time it got the recognition it deserves and thousands of Aussies think so too.
We would like you to hear our plea for a question on this malty icon to be included in the Australian Citizenship Test. “It tastes like the future of our nation. And that future is bright.
And delicious.” The Matildas star told Mr Burke she was keen to chat further and that, of course, she would bring the Milo. Nestle head of dairy marketing Sid Kajale said: “As we celebrate 90 years of Milo, it’s clear that this choc-malty drink holds a special place in the hearts of Australians.
“The new research highlights just how deeply rooted Milo is in Australian culture — from childhood memories to sporting traditions. “Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, making a Milo is a rite of passage and one we hope all future citizens of Australia will learn to create and enjoy.” Of the 1013 surveyed Aussies aged 16 and older, 56 per cent thought visiting the outback was also part of becoming a true Australian, as well as having a sausage sizzle (51 per cent) and watching a footy match (48 per cent).
More than half of Aussies consider Milo the most nostalgic non-alcoholic drink, with two in three describing it as a childhood favourite. The survey also unveiled that drinking a Milo is considered one of the most Australian activities, alongside watching Aussie sports like AFL and NRL (63 per cent), using Australian slang like “yeah nah” (60 per cent), and seeing native animals like kangaroos and koalas (59 per cent). Milo fans can sign the petition here .
Ben Smith Ben Smith.
