2 December 2025
Public Statement: Proposed Removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags by Federation Council
Southern West Yiradyuri Clans Land, Water and Sky Country Aboriginal Corporation expresses its deep concern and firm opposition to the recent motion passed by Federation Council proposing the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from Council chambers and civic flagpoles, except during NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week.
Federation Council sits on Yiradyuri Country, where sovereignty was never ceded and never will be. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are nationally recognised Flags of Australia and represent the First Peoples whose connection to this Country spans tens of thousands of years. Their permanent presence in civic spaces is a respectful acknowledgement of this truth.
The proposal to remove these flags sends a harmful message to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the region. It suggests that our identity and sovereignty are only worth acknowledging a few weeks a year, and that a “neutral” civic space does not include visible recognition of First Peoples. True neutrality cannot erase history or our continuing responsibilities to care for Land, Water and Sky Country.
We acknowledge and thank the councillors who voted against the change and who spoke clearly about the importance of recognising First Peoples in civic life.
On behalf of our Elders, members and the broader First Nations community, the Corporation has formally requested that Federation Council:
- Withdraw the proposed change to its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols
- Continue flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags year-round in Council chambers and civic spaces
- Engage directly with Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal organisations to co-design future cultural protocols
- Undertake culturally grounded awareness and truth-telling for councillors and senior staff
Southern West Yiradyuri people have always cared for this Country “as we have done since Creation”, guided by lore, Elders and deep cultural responsibility. Visible recognition of First Peoples in civic decision-making spaces supports this ongoing responsibility and contributes to a more respectful and truthful relationship between Council and community.
The Corporation calls on Federation Council to listen to Traditional Owners, reconsider this motion and uphold the full story of this Country.
Ethan Williams
Chairperson
Southern West Yiradyuri Clans Land, Water and Sky Country Aboriginal Corporation
