City of Fremantle flying Aboriginal flag at half-mast following Voice referendum No vote

The City of Fremantle will likely stand alone in choosing to fly the Aboriginal flag at half-mast in the wake of a divisive No vote to the Voice referendum.

Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge announced on Monday the southern suburbs council would lower its Indigenous flag for one week in respect of the local Aboriginal community.

“We are deeply aware of the disappointment and grief currently being experienced by Fremantle’s Aboriginal elders and we want to express our support and empathy,” she said.

“They have told me they would appreciate this simple sign of solidarity.”

It’s not the first time the City of Fremantle has taken a contentious approach to the Voice debate, with its council in March voting to spend $35,000 of ratepayers’ money to assist the Yes campaign and educate locals on the referendum topic.

That decision caused some controversy among fellow councillors, with Cr Marija Vujcic describing the move as a “breach” of her oath to community.

“Using ratepayers’ money to fund a one-sided argument is in my view a breach of trust of our office,” she said at the time.

The money paid for panel presentations, campaigns, staff and volunteer training and history centre “installations”.

This week’s flag decision is among the aftermath of reactions to Saturday’s referendum — which saw all Australian States and territories, bar the ACT, deliver a conclusive “No” vote to enshrining an Indigenous voice in the constitution.

The Fremantle electorate — often hailed as one of Perth’s most progressive districts — recorded a No vote of 53.3 per cent.

While the wider electorate may have steered clear of supporting the Voice, Ms Fitzhardinge said polling places in the City of Fremantle had overwhelmingly voted Yes, with some booths returning a more than 75 per cent affirmative vote.

“This is evidence that Fremantle’s reconciliation journey has had a positive impact on our community,” she said.

Murdoch University also announced it was lowering the flag.

“In response to the call by Indigenous leaders who fought for the Voice, this week Murdoch University is lowering its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to half-mast,” a post read.

But nearby councils have not followed Fremantle’s lead.

City of Cockburn chief executive Daniel Simms said the Aboriginal flag at Cockburn headquarters was not lowered and the city would follow State Government protocol.

“In regard to flag flying, the City of Cockburn follows directives from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and has received no directive to date,” he said.

The City of Canning also told PerthNow it would not be lowering the flag, in line with State directives.