Debate erupts over flying Aboriginal flag outside the Clarence City Council chambers

The Aboriginal community was shocked it was even a debate on whether or not the Clarence City Council should permanently fly their flag outside the Rosny chambers. LATEST >>

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WHETHER or not to permanently fly the Aboriginal flag at the Clarence City Council chambers should not even be a debate, says an Aboriginal community leader.

On Monday night, Alderman Beth Warren moved a motion for council to fly the Aboriginal flag on one of its flagpoles outside the Rosny chambers from NAIDOC week onwards.

The motion was lost with a 6-6 tied vote.

The council currently flies the Tasmanian, Australian and Clarence City flags, with a fourth flagpole unused for much of the year.

The Aboriginal flag is flown during NAIDOC week in November and on Reconciliation Day in May.

Land Council chairman Michael Mansell. Picture: Richard Jupe

Tasmanian Aboriginal community leader Michael Mansell said he could not understand why the matter was even a debate.

“Most, if not all, councils in Tasmania permanently fly the flag — the courts, schools and even the parliament permanently flies the flag,” he said.

“Why on earth is the Clarence council debating this? If the white Australian flag should go up as a matter of course — why is the Aboriginal flag a matter of contention?

“Tasmania in the last 25 years or so has almost led the nation on reconciliation, with land returns, compensation for the stolen generations, and the flag has been adopted by nearly all institutions in the state.”

Clarence City Council Mayor Doug Chipman in front of the flagpoles outside the council's chambers. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Clarence mayor Doug Chipman said the council was working through a reconciliation action plan process, which may be completed ­before the end of the year.

“I’m committed to having the flag fly permanently, but I didn’t support the motion on Monday night because it was suggested we just leave it hanging after NAIDOC week,” Mr Chipman said.

“I believe when we make a decision to fly it permanently, we should do so in consultation with the Aboriginal community and celebrate the occasion with an appropriate function.

“When we sign the reconciliation action plan, that would be an outstanding opportunity.”

Ms Warren said there was no reason to wait.

Beth Warren.

“The community is shocked we’re not doing it already and outraged it even has to be debated,” she said.

“We have the flag and the pole — why wouldn’t we do it straight away? We’re well behind so many councils.

“We’re supposed to be representing our community and from the feedback I’ve had, we’re not.”