Woolworths offices to fly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags

Woolworths offices will display Indigenous flags in support of reconciliation as the company faces backlash over its Australia Day decision.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will be displayed at Woolworths support offices as a part of the company’s commitment to reconciliation.

The supermarket chain has faced backlash in recent weeks after it announced it would no longer stock Australia Day merchandise, citing a “gradual decline in demand” for the products.

“We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose,” a spokesperson said at the time.

Australians have been divided over Woolworths decision to no longer stock Australia Day products. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

It is now been revealed locations that already display the Australian flag will also show the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags “outside stores, sites and support offices where practicable”, according to the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

“We don’t plan to add flags outside our supermarkets,” a Woolworths Group spokesperson said.

“The locations deemed practicable are those where the Australian flag is already flown.

“The three flags will be flown together at these select sites, just as they are in countless other locations from primary schools to businesses and other institutions.”

Woolworths, which launched its plan in May 2023, is one of many Australian companies to create such documents “in the belief that our actions will make a meaningful contribution toward reconciliation and closing the gap”.

The plan was not launched in relation to the supermarket’s Australia Day decision.

The rollout of the flags is due to be reviewed throughout this year.

Woolworths’ head office already displays the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside its buildings along with the Australian flag.

“Display Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside stores, sites and support offices where practicable,” the document read. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

It comes as the ire over the Australia Day decision is met with accusations of hypocrisy as many of the supermarket outlets are offering food specials over the long weekend.

“Great value for the Australia Day long weekend,” the specials website reads.

The supermarket hit back against critics, arguing it offered food and produce specials for all occasions.

“Customers across all our stores can also expect to see a large range of great value food offers and specials to enjoy with family and friends next week in the lead up to and for the Australia Day long weekend,” a spokesperson said.

Originally published as Woolworths offices to fly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags