A local government authority in New South Wales has ignited a fierce debate after voting to remove Indigenous flags from its premises and to impose new restrictions on traditional Welcome to Country ceremonies.
Controversial vote passes by narrow margin
The Federation Council in the Riverina region of NSW held a decisive meeting on November 18, where councillors voted five to four in favour of the contentious changes. The motion stipulated the removal of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from the Urana and Corowa council chambers, as well as from flagpoles across the council's entire jurisdiction.
Furthermore, the council enforced a new rule requiring its prior approval for any Welcome to Country ceremonies held at all special council events. The Indigenous flags will now only be permitted to fly during two specific periods: Reconciliation Week in May and NAIDOC Week in July of the following year.
Councillors clash over 'divisive' symbolism
The decision has exposed a clear rift within the council. Councillor David Harrison, who voted against the proposal, argued that removing the flags sent a 'not very nice message'. He stated that the flags had been displayed for years without being seen as divisive, but rather as a celebration and recognition of First Nations history.
'Not 10 kilometres from here, there was a 30,000-year-old Aboriginal skeleton discovered,' Cr Harrison remarked during the debate in Urana. 'I think waving the flag is just a small recognition of that.' Former mayor Pat Bourke echoed this sentiment, comparing the display of the Aboriginal flag to portraits of past councillors, stating it signified the First Australians.
Cr Bourke, Deputy Mayor Rowena Black, and Councillor Susan Wearne joined Cr Harrison in opposing the changes.
Mayor defends move for 'civic neutrality'
Mayor Cheryl Cook, who voted for the changes alongside councillors David Bott, Derek Schoen, Richard Nixon, and Andrew Kennedy, defended the decision. She claimed it followed extensive community feedback and was necessary to ensure a 'clear expression of civic neutrality'.
Cr Cook argued that limiting flag display to the Blue Ensign in the chamber would allow the council to focus on its legislative responsibilities for all citizens equally. She cited that a little over 97% of the council's population did not identify as Indigenous and stated she had received strong feedback advocating for a 'more unified culture for all' and a shared Aussie identity.
'The feedback that I have been getting is that there is a need to go back to a civic neutral space,' Mayor Cook concluded. The council has been contacted for further comment on the implications of this significant policy shift.
