The next step in having the Aboriginal flag fly above Launceston town hall and Albert Hall could be achieved this week with the City of Launceston council to vote on a flag policy.
The policy would allow the council to lodge a development application to add two more flag poles on top of town hall, with the order to go Australian national flag, Aboriginal flag, Tasmanian flag and Launceston city flag.
The lack of an Aboriginal flag was raised with council in November and discussed at a council workshop in February. Consultation must occur with Heritage Tasmania to add two poles on top of both town hall and Albert Hall.
The matter was expected to go to a vote on July 1, but was delayed.
Although this prevented it coinciding with NAIDOC Week last week, Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania chair Michael Mansell said he was not too concerned.
"I think all of these things take time to change, but when they do come about it's all worthwhile," he said.
"Any change from the status quo will get a reaction, but then people get used to it."
Mr Mansell said while it may have been fitting for the flag to have been finally flown during the week, the reality was what it commemorated needed to be considered constantly.
"The needs and justice of aboriginal people should happen week-in week-out, and year-in year-out," he said.
"There are 52 weeks in the year and a lot of things happen in NAIDOC week - it doesn't have to happen then."
The Aboriginal flag already flies at Home Point and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.
The new flag policy would mean the Aboriginal flag would not be replaced with any other flags and would be treated in the same manner as the Australian national flag.
With council officers recommending the flag policy be approved, Mr Mansell said credit needed to be given to the council for responding to a changing community attitude.
"The important thing about the Launceston council is they are showing community leadership," he said.
"They're reflecting the general view of the greater Launceston population.
"There's no doubt that council flying flags other than the Aboriginal flag gave the impression it was a white council, but it's certainly changed."
Carr Villa would still only have the Australian flag, while the Royal Park cenotaph would have the Australian and city flags, subject to requests.
The Aboriginal flag began flying at the Break O'Day Council office in 2019 after it decided there was no need for a report into the matter and the Northern Midlands Council included the Aboriginal flag at its chambers in November 2020.
LINK: CLICK HERE FLAG HUMBUG AT LAUNCESTON TOWN HALL
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