The federal government has passed a motion to permanently hang the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in the Senate chamber.
The motion, passed only a day after the first sitting of the 47th Parliament, was brought forward by NT Labor Senator and Yanyuwa woman Malarndirri McCarthy.
“I was pleased to put forward a successful motion to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in the Australian Senate,” said Senator McCarthy.
She acknowledged the support of her fellow Senators Pat Dodson, Jana Stewart, Dorinda Cox and Lidia Thorpe.
The decision comes two years after the motion was originally dismissed.
Senator McCarthy speaking in the Senate today. Source: Supplied
“Two years ago, the same motion was rejected by the government during NAIDOC week. It’s a small but significant gesture to make as Parliamentarians with a sincere desire to walk together in unity,” said Ms McCarthy.
In NAIDOC week of 2020, the motion to hang both flags in the Senate chamber failed 29 to 28.
Former Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt defended the result when speaking to NITV's Big Mob Brekky at the time.
"In the chamber, people don't notice the flags," he said.
Pauline has left the building
In the chamber today, people did notice One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson's dramatic exit.
Ms Hanson angrily left the walked out during the Acknowledgement of Country being delivered by newly elected Senate President Sue Lines.
As Ms Lines was respecting the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and Elders past and present, Ms Hanson shouted “No, I won’t and I never will” before leaving hastily.
Ms Hanson later told AAP that she had been “feeling this way for a long time”.
“I have called from the first day for equality for all Australians. I see this as divisive.
“I’m sorry – this is my country as well.”
Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe labelled Ms Hanson’s behaviour as “ignorant and racist’.
“Day two of the 47th Parliament and racism has reared it’s ugly head,” she said.
“Pauline Hanson disrespectfully stormed out of the Acknowledgement of Country in the Senate, refusing to acknowledge ‘those people’. You want to make Parliament safe? Get rid of racism.”
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson walks out after reacting to President Sue Lines Acknowledgement of Country in the Senate chamber in Canberra. Source: AAP
