City of Perth: Aboriginal flag pin will not be compulsory

CITY of Perth staff will not be required to wear an Aboriginal flag pin if passed as part of its Reconciliation Action Plan.

Councillors will this month vote on the plan that would provide a framework that recognises Aboriginal culture within the City and to continue building strong relationships with the Aboriginal community.

Among many suggested actions to take towards reconciliation and a show of respect is for customer service staff to wear the pin.

If the plan is passed, the pin would be available to wear by August this year.

Community Services Manager Emma Landers revealed at the Finance and Administration Committee meeting this week that wearing the pin would be optional.

“We do not want to people to wear it if they do not feel comfortable wearing it, but we hope all will,” she said.

“This will go to Reconciliation Australia and if they don’t want us to wear them, then we won’t wear them.”

Another option is to employ an Aboriginal Engagement Officer to oversee effective engagement with Aboriginal peoples, community and stakeholders.

Councillor Reece Harley warned at the meeting it would be a “tough” role for whoever secured it.

He told the Guardian Express it could be a “potentially complex role with a lot of responsibility”.

“It could mean a lot on the plate for the person who is in that role if we do not resource the plan properly,” he said.

The plan suggests branding two City-owned cars with an Indigenous symbol, but Councillor Steve Hasluck suggested increasing the number to four.

City of Vincent publicly launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in May last year.