The NSW government, led by Prime Minister Dominic Perrotte, announced on Sunday that it plans to spend $25 million (about $17.24 million) to erect a flagpole on the Sydney Harbor Bridge just to raise the “Aboriginal Flag.”
The plan was described in Closing the Gap as a “$25 million commitment”, “significant move” and “significant milestone” as part of a broader “$401 million investment”.
A government statement states:
“Our Indigenous history must be celebrated and recognized so that young Australians can understand the rich and enduring culture we have here, along with our past,” Perrotte said.
The permanent planting of the Aboriginal flag on the Sydney Harbor Bridge will do just that and will be an extension of the recovery process as part of the broader movement for reconciliation.
We are making significant investments for Aboriginal people in New South Wales, introducing new strategies and taking practical steps to close the gap and improve outcomes.”
City Highways Minister Natalie Ward called the planned $25 million flagpole “a landmark event in New South Wales history”.
Aboriginal flag waves forever on Sydney Harbor Bridge https://t.co/u5JGebtmdK pic.twitter.com/5K9KVc1TyW
– Reuters (@Reuters) 19 June 2022
Ben Franklin, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, said: “We are incredibly proud to work with Aboriginal stakeholders in both symbolic and practical harmony.”
He later added, “This is both a symbolic and practical gesture that demonstrates the New South Wales government’s commitment to reconciliation, truth and respect for Aboriginal people in our state and country.”
According to the NSW government, the $25 million flagpole will help “improve outcomes for Aboriginal people across the state.”
The Australian Aboriginal Flag (right) flies over the Sydney Harbor Bridge alongside the Australian national flag during NAIDOC week on 10 November 2020 in Sydney, Australia. NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. (James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
Tory coalition leader Perrotte said on Monday that he has requested a departmental review of the proposed price of the $25 million flagpole, as he could not disclose the cost.
He said he was reviewing cost estimates “line by line” to ensure NSW taxpayers were getting “value for money”.
Source: Breitbart
