PRIME MINISTER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER THE HON PJ KEATING MP
JOHN HOWARD'S MEAN SPIRITED POSITION ON ABORIGINAL FLAG
With his mean-spirited position on the flags of the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples John Howard has shown he believes their flags
should have no official recognition.
He has again demonstrated that he cannot tolerate change.
The Government decided on the 20th of June that the flags of the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be proclaimed official flags bringing
them into line with at least 22 other flags in Australia.
Flags in this category such as the Civil Air Ensign, the flag of Norfolk Island,
and the Customs flag are all secondary to the National Flag.
The National Flag will still be flown in the pre-eminent position.
This change means that, for example, it will no longer be a breach of protocol
for a young athlete like Cathy Freeman to carry the Aboriginal flag with pride.
Recognition of the flags is an inclusive act. For John Howard to argue that
this move is divisive is to suggest that these flags are somehow less worthy
than other Australian symbols.
Official recognition of the flags is in line with a unanimous recommendation of
the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in its recent report to the
Government on proposed social justice measures. The coalition is
represented on the council.
The only person seeking to play politics with flags is Mr Howard.
CANBERRA 4 July 1995 67/ 95
Keating, Paul
Period of Service: 20/12/1991 - 11/03/1996
Find more information on Keating, Paul on the:
Release Date:
04/07/1995
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
9655
Document:
00009655.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Keating, Paul John
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER THE HON PJ KEATING MP JOHN HOWARD'S MEAN SPIRITED POSITION ON ABORIGINAL FLAG
9655