Clarence Council’s decision not to fly the Aboriginal flag prompted a community backlash

Clarence City Council aldermen have reflected on an “embarrassing” episode over the Aboriginal flag, finally making a call on whether or not it will be flown outside it’s chambers.

• Talking Point: Flag decision flies in the face of greater reconciliation
• Clarence Mayor flags change of heart

CLARENCE City Council will permanently fly the Aboriginal flag outside council chambers following a change of heart by some aldermen.

Council’s rejection of Alderman Beth Warren’s flag motion put at the October meeting prompted a backlash by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and many in the wider community.

A second motion from Ald Warren was approved at Monday night’s meeting.

The motion was seconded by Alderman James Walker, who apologised for voting against Ald Warren’s motion at the previous meeting.

“Those councillors got it wrong last meeting in a tied vote that I was on the wrong side of. To all those who that impacted on, I’m sorry,” he said.

Aboriginal flags at Clarence City Council chambers. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mayor Doug Chipman, who voted against the last motion, also changed his vote, saying he was “moved” by a field of Aboriginal flags planted on the council lawns.

Alderman Tony Mulder said the previous decision not to fly the flag had been a “embarrassing” for council.

Alderman Luke Edmunds said council had “stuffed up” during last month’s flag debate.

“It is impossible to argue that the council emerged from that debate with its reputation enhanced. Some may argue it is barely intact,” he said.

Alderman Brendan Blomeley, who labelled Ald Warren’s original motion “divisive politics”, supported the new motion.

“Over the last three weeks a cloud has needlessly hung over this council and indeed the whole community,” he said.

Alderman Richard James continued in his opposition to flying the flag, arguing it would prevent community organisations from flying their flag outside council on special occasions.

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

The Aboriginal flag will be flown from November 16.