The Free the Flag journey began by starting this very petition with our sights set on an Aboriginal Flag free from licensing agreements that control its use - today this has not changed.
The recent Senate’s Select Committee report revealed two recommendations (not compulsory acquiring the flag, and establishing an independent administrative body to ‘house’ the flag) regarding the resolution of the flag copyright.
The Free the Flag campaign believes in a free Aboriginal flag for all people to celebrate, a flag that is about pride and not profit, a flag that is proudly flown without fear of having to ask ‘am I allowed to do this, or do I have to ask for permission and pay?’
So, it is our recommendation that the Government seek out an arrangement where Harold Thomas remains the Copyright holder and forever acknowledged as the creator of the Aboriginal Flag and a free public licence to the flag is granted for all Australians.
We believe the Australian Government’s Flags Act offers all the protection the Aboriginal flag will ever need. The introduction of another administrative body to hold the flag would offer no additional protection and would only add further layers of administration around its usage.
Let’s remove the shackles of the licenses in which the flag is being held and find a fair and equitable resolution, to ensure the Aboriginal flag remains just that - an official flag of Australia protected under the Flags Act where the commercial exploitation and control of its copyright does not impact on its use by everyday Australians and the Aboriginal Community.
Before we celebrate the Aboriginal Flag’s 50th birthday in July 2021, let it be free and to remain as a representation of pride, resistance and a celebration of culture and identity.
Thank you for continuing to walk with us on this journey. Keep having the conversations that matter, keep sharing the campaign with your circles and let’s all keep our eyes set on what a Free Flag truly means.
Yours in the struggle,
Free the Flag
Clothing The Gap