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RSL Bans Aboriginal Flag And Welcome To Country At Two Services In Western Australia

RSL Bans Aboriginal Flag And Welcome To Country At Two Services In Western Australia

The decision has prompted a massive backlash from people.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Western Australia's RSL branch has decided it will no longer fly the Aboriginal flag or have a Welcome to Country during Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.

The decision has been made in response to an event last year where the Ode of Remembrance was performed in a local Indigenous language.

Aboriginal elder Professor Len Collard read the ode in Noongar language after working hard to translate it from English.

Professor Len Collard

But the WA RSL's new policy states: "While having utmost respect for the traditional owners of land upon which such sites and memorials are located, RSLWA does not view it appropriate that a Welcome to Country is used at sites that were specifically established to pay homage to those who died and who came from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

"While it is important to recognise cultural and ethnic contributions to the defence of Australia, it is also important to maintain Anzac Day and Remembrance Day as occasions to express unity, a time when all Australians - irrespective of race, culture or religion - come together to remember and reflect."

As a result of the decision, the RSLWA now insists that the only non-English speech or performance done on both commemorative days be the New Zealand national anthem.

PA

The Australian, New Zealand and West Australian flag will be the only to be flown on both days.

The policy also states the RSLWA-conducted commemorations of Anzac and Remembrance Daysmust respect 'the right of regal, vice-regal and government representatives to use the Acknowledgement of Country but not at the dawn service or services at recognised war memorials.

The decision only affects the two days of the year where Australia pauses and reflects on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. All other days the flag and Welcome to Country are welcome.

An example of a Welcome to Country.
Lance Cpl. Osvaldo Ortega

RSLWA chief executive John McCourt said: "All the RSL is asking for is two days."

But the announcement hasn't gone down well with a raft of people.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert wrote on Twitter: "This is appalling RSLWA. Many First Nations peoples have served this country in the armed services and this is deeply offensive to their memories and it's not in the ANZAC spirit. This hurtful and offensive decision should be immediately reversed."

RSLWA says it respects the right for other groups to have Welcome to Country ceremonies in their Anzac and Remembrance Day ceremonies, however they are standing by its decision.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Australia