Flag negotiations may still be needed
At the October 11 council meeting, Administrator Hart referred to the Torres Strait Islands when explaining his decision to support Peninsula flag and banner approval.
His comment creates confusion and highlights local differences around protocol.
The problem now is: Will the Torres Strait Islands flag be flown, and have equal status with the aboriginal flag?
The Torres Strait flag was recognised by the Australian Parliament in 1995.
Flag flying is under the authority of the Prime Minister and Cabinet guided by the Flags Act 1953.
Woy Woy Primary School, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Central Coast Council do not seem to have consistent standards.
No doubt the Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch and the Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid also have opinions.
How will it be decided which flags are flown when the structures are inadequate to fly all three flags?
Neither the aboriginal nor Torres Strait flag have the same status as the Australian flag.
There already was confusion prior to Mr Hart's comments which will now suggest delicate negotiations are needed between the stakeholders.
SOURCE:
Letter, 13 Oct 2022
Norm Harris, Umina