The RSL Is Trying To Justify Banning The Aboriginal Flag From Anzac Day Services In WA
"I would suggest to @RSLWA that these guys fought and died for your colonial flag without recognition and are therefore well entitled to their own."
The Aboriginal flag and Welcome To Country has been banned from all Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services in Western Australia, under a new policy from the WA branch of the RSL.
The policy was developed in response to last year’s Anzac dawn service in Fremantle, where Aboriginal elder Professor Len Collard read the Ode of Remembrance in Noongar language.
Apparently that annoyed a few people, with some members complaining after the service that it was not appropriate.
The new RSLWA policy says while it “remains appalled” by the discrimination Aboriginal people suffered after returning from WW1, they wanted their ceremonies to unite, not to divide.
This is a regrettable and divisive decision by RSLWA and I suggest they reconsider. Immediately.
It is worth noting that our New Zealand partners embrace the language of their Indigenous peoples at ANZAC DAY ceremonies.
We should do the same.
— Ben Wyatt MLA (@benwyatt) February 21, 2020
The police also noted it was a “trend” to add cultural elements to these kid of commemoration services.
“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,” the policy says.
What Is In The New Policy?
The new policy only covers services on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
From now, all content (except the New Zealand national anthem) must be presented or sung in English. Only the Australian, New Zealand and WA flags are allowed to be flown, and there will be no Welcome or Acknowledgment Of Country ceremonies.
Another day in WA as @RSLWA bans the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at ANZAC and Remembrance Day services. You refused to acknowledge when mob served, and now you continue to refuse to acknowledge us.
— Anton Schirripa (@schirriant) February 20, 2020
Australia's Indigenous soldiers made a considerable contribution during both World Wars and other conflicts, despite having their own land invaded and stolen prior. @RSLWA fails to grasp these facts, they must recognize their legacy, culture and FLAG.https://t.co/wqg2kbiOPH https://t.co/Ihiozi3CDq pic.twitter.com/u4sVW8JIX5
— Regis Aged Care – Abuse, Neglect & Death (@AgedRegis) February 21, 2020
It does 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.
“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,” the policy says.
The fundamental issue that the @RSLWA decision again highlights is that Australia STILL does not accept Aboriginal culture and history as its own culture and history. Its this little thing off to the side for “them” to celebrate on “their” days.
I dream of the day this changes.— Roanna Edwards (@Roanna_Edwards) February 21, 2020
I would suggest to @RSLWA that these guys fought and died for your colonial flag without recognition and are therefore well entitled to their own. And as there was never a treaty, this IS their country, upon which YOU are a tenant. pic.twitter.com/OtFiQpO05r
— SaintOtto – RogueScholar (@OttoCuddly) February 21, 2020
If any ceremonies do not abide by these strict conditions chief executive John McCourt told the ABC the board could withdraw its support.
“All the RSL is asking for is two days,” he told the ABC.
Around 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders served in World War 1, despite not being allowed to officially enlist until 1917.
Three years into WW1 the military changed their rules, but only for Indigenous Australians with one parent of “European origin”.