The question of whether aged care homes should display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the Australian flag on Australia Day has recently become a point of contention and confusion for many aged care staff and providers.
Aged care homes traditionally go to great lengths to decorate their facilities for significant days, including Australia Day.
However, staff and providers are caught in a dilemma: they want to honour inclusivity and respect cultural diversity, yet are hesitant to celebrate a day many Indigenous leaders and communities find deeply painful.
Some staff members, speaking anonymously, revealed confusion about the correct approach. One staff member stated, “I was told not to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on Australia Day.’
Others worry about offending residents, particularly veterans or their families, who might see the Australian flag as the sole representation of their service and sacrifice.
Senator Pauline Hanson, leader of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, has publicly opposed the practice of displaying Indigenous flags alongside the Australian flag in aged care homes, arguing it represents division and undermines the significance of the Australian flag.
“I have never supported the Aboriginal flag having the status of a ‘national’ flag, and I’ve opposed its display in Parliament House, on government buildings and at significant landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge.” She told HelloCare.
“There is only one flag that represents our nation and all its people – the Australian flag – and it’s the only one which should be flown.”
Hanson also highlighted the historical origins of the Australian flag, which she views as the sole unifying symbol of the nation:
“The Australian flag was the subject of a national competition in the early days of Federation, and a vote by the Australian people. Australians chose our national flag, but we’ve never been given a say about the Aboriginal flag.”
She also argues that the inclusion of the Aboriginal flag could alienate some aged care residents, in particular, veterans.
“Many residents of aged care facilities and nursing homes would be veterans or family to veterans who fought and sacrificed under one flag – the Australian flag – and I believe many of them would not appreciate the Aboriginal flag being flown above their home, nor support the community division the Aboriginal flag represents.”
A Broader Context of Division
Opposition to Australia Day on 26 January has grown over the past decade, driven by Indigenous leaders highlighting the date’s association with colonisation and its ongoing impact. However, recent polls indicate shifting public sentiment.
A survey conducted by the Institute of Public Affairs found that 68.5% of Australians believe Australia Day should remain on 26 January – a 4.5% increase from the previous year.
The result of the 2023 Indigenous Voice referendum, where the proposed constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians was rejected nationally and in every state, also reflects a growing resistance to perceived “race-based” divisions in the nation.
In its outreach to Indigenous organisations for input, HelloCare received no responses, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding this issue.
However, resources from organisations like Evolve Communities, which provides Indigenous cultural awareness training, offer guidance on navigating Australia Day with sensitivity and inclusivity.
Evolve Communities recommends engaging with First Nations peoples to understand their perspectives and exploring ways to acknowledge Australia Day that honour both celebration and reflection.
Suggestions include inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders to participate in events, incorporating moments of silence, and ensuring the inclusion of Indigenous flags if the Australian flag is displayed.
The organisation notes that for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Australian flag serves as a reminder of colonisation. Therefore, flying their flags alongside the Australian flag can signal recognition and respect for the country’s Indigenous heritage.
The question of whether aged care homes should display Indigenous flags on Australia Day ultimately reflects a broader national conversation about reconciliation, inclusion, and the complexities of Australia’s history.
While some residents and staff may feel that flying these flags fosters respect and inclusivity, others may see it as a political statement or a source of division. This diversity of opinions underscores the importance of open dialogue within aged care facilities.
As one staff member told HelloCare: “There’s no easy answer. What matters most is that we listen to everyone’s perspectives – residents, families, and staff – and approach this issue with sensitivity.”
Note: In its quest to provide balance, HelloCare reached out to the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, The National Indigenous Times and Indigenous Spokesperson and lawyer Noel Pearson but did not receive correspondence relating to the issue.
We are one country so we should have only one flag. If every country in the world demanded their flag to be shown through the centuries to state they were the “first” people, you would have to hire a football stadium. Pauline Hanson is correct and this woke business and bleating about what happened way back in history really does need to stop. We should be moving forward not backwards. We are all one – that is it!
I support showing all 3 flags, I think it’s beautiful and the least we can do for First Nations people. Pauline Hanson is just stirring up more culture wars. It’s very sad.
I agree with you; there is nothing woke about the original land dwellers having their flag displayed; it is called respect.
There is only one flag for Australia and we should all respect this flag.
We do not want a divided nation and that is what happens if parts of the Australian population try to have a separate flag.
If it is an indigenous event then their symbol could be used. It should not be used instead of our Australian Flag and should be separate from the Australian flag which should always have first place.
Those who choose to live in Australia should always acknowledge the Australian Flag which is the flag our nation has fought under and fought to keep. This includes the indigenouse people.
Those who damage or burn the Australian flag should be charged with treason and suitably punished and if not an Australian citizen then should be returned to where they came from.
I’m actually all for a divided nation. I think alternative viewpoints are healthy. Display whatever flag you like. Live your life – fill your boots.
One flag for ALL Australians, regardless. We have many different cultures now in Australia due to immigration. If every flag representing those different cultures of people who are now Australian citizens were flown, there would be too many. Fly all flags on Multi Cultural Day. That’s appropriate.
Pauline Hanson is right. One flag only for Australia. I find it ridiculous that we now show 3 flags on anything official. We are one nation and should be united as such.
Australia has one flag that represents all Australians. Making seperate flags, names, colours does nothing to unite Australians.
NO
One country
One people
One flag
Ouch!
One country, one people, one flag sounds a tad too much authoritarian to me. It’s been done before, and I don’t really think it works.
I prefer, one state (Australia), lots of different forms of country (hello aboriginal peeps), lots of different ways of expressing yourself (isn’t diversity great), lots of different flags, lots of different people, lots of divergent views attitudes and opinions.
Of course both flags should be raised. Many Aboriginal people were and are Veterans, P. Hanson is just causing division between Australians just ignore her
Yes
One country
Millions of different opinions
All flags welcome