A DRAFT updated policy on flag-flying and flag poles was presented to Shire councillors at the regular June meeting, but a decision was deferred for six months.<\/p>\n
The policy meant the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags would continue to fly at the Golden Plains customer service centres until another more in-depth review due in December of 2023.<\/p>\n
Cr Owen Sharkey put forward a prepared alternative motion that consideration of the flag policy be deferred for six months, pending a more comprehensive review, and this was carried.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re at the mid-point of our councillor term now, so I don\u2019t know why we\u2019re going to defer this to the end of our councillor term. I\u2019m suggesting we commence that process now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s lots of things there to be considered. Given our 2040 Vision, Council Plan and values, we have a fantastic opportunity here to meet some of those obligations that ratepayers have bestowed upon us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Sharkey said flags that help to create an inclusive community should fly during meetings, and at Shire offices, and suggested a fourth pole could be added to flag sites.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about flying something for NAIDOC Week, for pride, for mental health, for minority communities? It\u2019s about inclusion,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Originally \u201ccurious\u201d as to what was missing from the draft update that could improve it, Cr Clayton Whitfield supported the alternative motion.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere could be some extensions to the review that it didn\u2019t capture. The current flag policy doesn\u2019t govern use of flags internally at meetings,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of the installation of extra poles at various council offices… there\u2019s a bit to work through in terms of logistics, resourcing, who\u2019s putting the flags up, but it doesn\u2019t mean it can\u2019t happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Helena Kirby suggested flags be flown outside of the Linton Shire offices, now a community hub.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A DRAFT updated policy on flag-flying and flag poles was presented to Shire councillors at the regular June meeting, but a decision was deferred for six months. The policy meant the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags would continue to fly at the Golden Plains customer service centres until another more in-depth review due […]<\/p>\n