Federation Council Moves to Remove Indigenous Flags and Limit Ceremonial Protocols
Federation Council in New South Wales has voted to remove Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from council chambers, the narrow decision aims to display only the Australian flag for civic neutrality. This policy also introduces strict limitations on Welcome to Country ceremonies, the move has ignited a fierce debate regarding reconciliation and national symbols.
Decades of Standard Practice Challenged by New Policy
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags have held official status under the Flags Act 1953 since 1995, most government buildings across Australia fly all three flags together to symbolize unity. This established protocol recognizes the history and status of First Nations people, yet recent political shifts have prompted some local authorities to reevaluate these symbols. The Federation Council decision follows the defeat of the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum, analysts suggest this political outcome has encouraged conservative councils to challenge existing Indigenous protocols. Similar debates have emerged in other regions like Carnarvon and Cumberland City Council, these events indicate a growing trend where local governments are reconsidering their approach to reconciliation measures.
Narrow Vote Signals Shift in Local Governance
The council passed the controversial motion with a tight 5-4 vote in late 2025, the ruling affects council chambers in Corowa and Urana as well as all municipal flagpoles. Mayor Cheryl Cook led the initiative by arguing that the Australian flag serves as the sole unifying symbol for the community, she noted that over 97% of the local population is non-Indigenous. The new policy dictates that the Indigenous flags will only fly during NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week, proponents claim this approach prevents division and focuses on a single national identity.
Opposition Voices Cite National Legislation
Councillor Susan Wearne strongly opposed the motion during the debate, she emphasized that the flags are official national symbols protected by federal law. Wearne argued that removing them undermines reconciliation efforts and causes unnecessary harm, former Mayor Pat Bourke supported this view by describing the flags as tools for celebration. The council also voted to restrict Welcome to Country acknowledgments, future ceremonies will require a formal resolution rather than relying on staff discretion.
Residents and Officials Brace for Final Decision
This decision has created immediate tension within the Riverina community, critics warn it promotes an exclusionary atmosphere for the First Nations population. Indigenous leaders have expressed a deep loss of trust in the local government, they view the removal as a significant step backward for visibility in public spaces. The council placed the draft protocols on public exhibition through late December, officials will review community submissions before holding a binding vote in February 2026.
The final outcome of the upcoming meeting could set a precedent for other regional bodies across the nation, state officials continue to monitor the situation as the community awaits a permanent verdict.
