Regional Council Abandons Plan to Ban Indigenous Flags After Public Outcry
A regional council in New South Wales has officially abandoned its controversial plan to ban the display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, following a significant public backlash. The Federation Council, located in Corowa, received nearly 700 submissions from the community, with the vast majority opposing the proposed ban.
Overwhelming Opposition from Ratepayers
During the community consultation period, the council gathered 884 public submissions. An impressive 78% of these submissions opposed the plan to remove the Indigenous flags, while only 11.5% were in favor. Among local ratepayers within the shire, the opposition was even more pronounced, with 84% (266 submissions) against the policy and only 16% (44 submissions) supporting it.
Many submissions highlighted the importance of the flags in promoting inclusivity and combating racism. One resident wrote, "Removing the flags doesn't stop racism, it rewards it." Another local shared a personal story of growing up in Corowa with limited exposure to First Nations culture, which led to biased attitudes they later worked to overcome.
Council Meeting Ends in Split Decision
A rowdy council meeting held in Urana resulted in a split vote on the issue. Four councillors supported removing the flags, three opposed, and one councillor, Derek Shoen, abstained. Shoen proposed an alternative motion, suggesting that the council should first finalize its reconciliation action plan (RAP) in collaboration with Wiradjuri and Bangerang traditional owners.
Shoen argued that due process had not been followed when the flags were initially installed in 2022, leading to the current divisive situation. He stated, "I reckon the reconciliation action plan should be finalised before we introduce protocols." His motion passed five to four, but due to a lack of formal resolution for the original installation, the flags were still removed from the council chambers, albeit temporarily.
Mayor Defends Proposal Amid Controversy
Mayor Cheryl Cook, who first floated the idea in November, defended the proposal as an attempt to unite the community under a single sovereign emblem. She cited feedback from ratepayers who wanted the flags removed and welcome to country ceremonies restricted. Cook emphasized that while many view the three flags together as united and respectful, others see it as divisive.
The meeting was cut short after members of the public gallery chanted "shame" and "stolen land" as Cook spoke. This incident underscores the deep emotions surrounding the issue, which comes 18 months after a neo-Nazi march through Corowa.
The council's decision to abandon the ban reflects a broader community push for reconciliation and cultural recognition, even as procedural hurdles led to the temporary removal of the flags.
