Mistake flagged in council chamber

STAFF at Golden Plains Shire have apologised following the misplacement of their flag formation which was visible during their regular council meeting in September.

Under what is known as the Order of Precedence, the Australian flag is normally positioned in the centre with the Aboriginal flag to the left and Torres Strait Islander flag to the right.

However, at September’s meeting the Australian flag was seen positioned to the left with the Aboriginal flag in the centre.

Under the municipality’s policy in accordance with the Flags Act 1953, the Australian flag takes precedence when displayed in the company of other flags, which means front and centre in the formation.

A spokesperson for the municipality said the placement of the flags was unintentional and that action has been taken to correct the mistake.

“As part of the Golden Plains Shire council flag policy, the Australian national flag, the Australian Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag are flown at all public council meetings,” a statement said.

“Following the flags being displayed at the August council meeting in Smythesdale, the flags were returned to the Golden Plains Civic Centre and accidentally placed in the incorrect order.

“The order of the flags has been corrected, with the Australian flag positioned in the centre of the flag stand, and will be visible during the upcoming meeting of council on Tuesday, 25 October.

“Golden Plains Shire Council sincerely apologises for the error and any offence it may have caused.”