The replacement of the Aboriginal flag above the Tasmanian Parliament with the Danish flag has sparked outrage among members of the local Aboriginal community and the Greens.
The Parliament had been flying the red and white flag as a tribute to Danish Queen Mary on Monday following her royal proclamation over the weekend.
Indigenous campaigners argue that the flag represents the history and culture of Aboriginal people and should be flown consistently as a sign of respect.
Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff wrote to Parliament’s presiding officers, Speaker of the House of Assembly Mark Shelton and Legislative Council president Craig Farrell, to “protest the removal” of the Aboriginal flag.
“Like many others in the community, we were disturbed to see the Tasmanian Aboriginal flag removed from its rightful position over the Tasmanian Parliament today,” she said.
“Whatever the view of the Danish flag flying over the Tasmanian Parliament, it is deeply disrespectful of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community – not to mention a defiance of the will of the House, who passed a motion to fly the Aboriginal flag.”
“The House recognised lutruwita/Tasmania is still, and will always be, Aboriginal land, and that all people have a responsibility to recognise and respect this fact.”
“In light of this, the House expressed a will that the Aboriginal flag be flown over Parliament House whenever the Tasmanian State Flag is raised.”
The decision to replace the flag was made by Parliament’s presiding officers, in accordance with flag protocols.
“There are three flag poles at Parliament House typically flying the Australian, Tasmanian and Aboriginal flags,” Shelton and Farrell said.
“The Danish flag was flown today and the order of flags flown was in accordance with the flag protocols and order of precedence provided by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.”
