The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags remain flying outside the Federation Council chambers. Photo: Federation Council.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are still flying at a Riverina council’s chambers and could remain standing indefinitely, despite a controversial vote in favour of taking them down in October.
Federation Council made national news when it voted 5-4 to amend its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols to “exclusively fly the Australian flag” at its Urana and Corowa chambers.
The decision was praised by the likes of Sky News pundits Paul Murray and Rita Panahi as well as by One Nation chief of staff James Ashby.
It was also misinterpreted by some who believed the two Indigenous flags currently standing would immediately be ripped down.
Councillor Susan Wearne, who voted against the move, said it was not a done deal.
“When I went to the council chambers on Tuesday (16 December), the flags were still flying,” she said.
“I don’t believe the final decision has been made.
“These draft protocols went out for public exhibition and now’s the opportunity for people to write to the general manager or make an online submission to voice their disagreement with the decision or their agreement with the decision.”
Federation Council residents have until 24 December to make their opinions known. The local government body will make its final vote on whether to go ahead with the change after considering public feedback at its February 2026 meeting.
“It’s only through the public voice that things can change. The public need to speak,” Cr Wearne said.
The councillor said she’d received a lot of feedback from residents since the decision was made two months ago.
“The people who have spoken to me have been upset; they don’t understand why the decision came about. I think there’s been some harm done to those who support the flags being in the council,” she said.
At the council vote in October, Mayor Cheryl Cook supported the change.
“Exclusively flying the Australian national flag in the chamber ensures a clear expression of civic neutrality,” she said during the council debate.
“A little over 97 per cent of council’s population do not identify as Indigenous … It’s timely that we here today seek a more unified culture for all.
“But I do agree that we must honour our Indigenous and we must honour our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders during special events.”
Councillors Bott, Nixon, Kennedy and Schoen also voted in favour of the change, while councillors Wearne, Harrison, Black and Bourke voted against it.
Federation Council is inviting its residents to review the draft protocols and provide feedback online by 5 pm, Wednesday 24 December.
