Call for Aboriginal flag to fly permanently atop Sydney Harbour Bridge

Protesters have marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge calling for the Aboriginal flag to be flown there permanently

Cheree Toka and fellow demonstrators carry an Australian Aboriginal Flag up the steps of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Cheree Toka and fellow demonstrators carry an Australian Aboriginal Flag up the steps of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Source: AAP

Protesters have marched across one of Australia's most iconic landmarks, calling for the Aboriginal flag to be flown there permanently.

Kamilaroi woman Cheree Toka started a campaign to raise the Indigenous flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge 365 days a year and her online petition has so far .

Opposition Leader Luke Foley has vowed to make the change if Labor wins government but Premier Gladys Berejiklian insists she's happy with the status quo.
Cheree Toka and fellow demonstrators.
Cheree Toka and fellow demonstrators. Source: AAP
"We want Gladys to recognise Aboriginal voices - she keeps dismissing the issue," Ms Toka told AAP.

"We were here, we're still here and we want to be heard."

The flag is currently raised 15 days a year - on Australia Day and during reconciliation and NAIDOC weeks.

Former Liberal premier Barry O'Farrell introduced that policy in 2013 and supports Labor's plan, but shock-jock Alan Jones argues Mr Foley has dug his own political grave with the pledge.
Ms Toka believes keeping the cultural symbol atop the 'Coathanger' would celebrate First Nations heritage and promote unity.

"As Australians, we are proud of our Aboriginal heritage and we want to recognise and celebrate this heritage every day," she writes in the online petition. 

There was a small turnout at Saturday's event but the 27-year-old plans to ramp up pressure ahead of NAIDOC week in July when she will invite politicians to another march.

Ms Toka then hopes to present her petition to state parliament in the final sitting week in November.


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2 min read
Published 2 June 2018 3:44pm
Updated 2 June 2018 4:32pm


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