Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Dodson, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the Aboriginal Flag is an official flag of Australia and a symbol of strength and unity,

  (ii) the Aboriginal Flag is the single unifying symbol of Australia's different and diverse Aboriginal Nations,

  (iii) commercial interests are restricting the use of the flag and putting profit before pride, and

  (iv) Aboriginal organisations have been sent cease and desist orders, simply for using the flag; and

(b) calls on the Government to do everything in its power to free the flag, and get it back so it can be used by the whole community; at the same time as respecting Mr Harold Thomas.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Aboriginal flag is a powerful and respected signal for all Australians and to Minister Wyatt, who knows the creator and copyright owner, Harold Thomas, and the government encourages all Australians to fly and show the flag with pride. The Australian government is aware of the concerns around the copyright of the Aboriginal flag and is seeking to resolve the matter in a way that respects the rights of the flag's creator while ensuring the flag continues to be a symbol of unity for Aboriginal people.

Question agreed to.