Calls to remove Aboriginal flag painted on major intersection

AN ABORIGINAL flag painted on an intersection without permission has caused controversy. The police says it’s graffiti but supporters want it to stay.

Aboriginal flag painted on the intersection of Vulture Street and Boundary Street West End. Picture: Renae Droop.

WEST End has justified its ranking as Brisbane’s most graffitied suburb after Aboriginal activists painted a flag on a major intersection.

Residents woke recently to see a huge Aboriginal flag painted on the road at the intersection of Vulture and Boundary streets.

West End was last month named one of Brisbane’s most graffitied suburbs.

The announcement prompted Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to launch a blitz on “tagging”.

Councillor Jonathan Sri said the flag was painted by local aboriginal activists and should stay.

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“I congratulate the artists,” Cr Sri said.

“It’s a timely reminder of the injustice Aboriginals of West End experience daily.

Brisbane City Councillor (Gabba Ward) Jonathan Sri. Picture: Jack Tran.

“It’s vitally important this flag stays on Boundary St.”

Aboriginal community worker, Uncle Sam Watson, said those responsible for the painting were expressing their anger at indigenous people being forced out of the area by gentrification.

He said the flag was a reminder of the traditional owners of South Brisbane.

Cr Quirk’s spokeswoman said the city council was aware of the graffiti.

“Council understands the Aboriginal flag was painted on the road at the corner of Vulture and Boundary streets in January. No approval was sought from council,” she said.

Opposition Leader Peter Cumming called on Cr Quirk to keep his commitment to the community and remove the flag.

“Ultimately it’s up to the lord mayor to decide whether this artwork stays or goes. However, we do urge him to be consistent,” Cr Cumming said.

“We would welcome Graham Quirk’s change of heart provided it is consistently applied across the city.”

A Queensland Police spokesman said it was hard to enforce the law on Aboriginal land.

“It is an offence to graffiti council roads and infrastructure but it becomes convoluted when it comes to Aboriginals who are considered the traditional owners of the land,” he said.

Originally published as Calls to remove Aboriginal flag painted on major intersection