Major twist in Aussie flag drama as council receives death threats
Public backlash over claims a NSW council was planning to ban the Australian flag being flown in town centres has boiled over with staff receiving phone calls of abuse and death threats.
Central Coast Council made national headlines earlier this week over allegations it was going to prohibit vertical flag banners being hung from street light poles in the Umina town centre.
Ahead of an Ordinary Council meeting on Tuesday to decide on the proposal, the Council claimed the ban was in accordance with the policy of Ausgrid, the owner of the light poles, which it said does “not support the flying of national flags on their assets".
But speaking to Yahoo News Australia on Monday, Ausgrid rejected the claim, saying it “does not stipulate the specific terms of what is hung” off street light poles as long as it is within safety guidelines.
In Tuesday night’s meeting the Council passed a resolution to endorse the flying of the Australian flag on existing banner infrastructure to acknowledge Australia Day.
In a statement to Yahoo News Australia, the Central Coast Council said its intention “was never to ban the flying of the Australian flag".
“Council’s recommendation was in fact the installation of extra flag poles in Umina Beach to allow the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags to be flown.”
Passing blame for policy proposal
When Yahoo News Australia pressed the Council for details surrounding the initial proposal, the Council said it was Ausgrid that confirmed via email that “the banner infrastructure wouldn't display the Australian flag in the most appropriate manner".
“However, Council is delighted Ausgrid have changed their position since their original emails and formal submission to Council and as such the Administrator added two additional resolutions to ensure flags can be displayed on banner infrastructure,” a spokesperson said.
They added that was “unfortunate that the issue of the flying over the Australian flag became such a contentious matter, largely due to misinformation spread by individuals in the community and the media".
When Yahoo News Australia contacted Ausgrid on Friday, a spokesperson explained that it was the Council that had initial concerns that the Australian flag installation in Umina wouldn't be compliant with the Australian National Flag Protocol.
While the energy company at first accepted Council’s stance and recommendation to change the banner policy, it confirmed four days ahead of the Ordinary Council meeting that “Ausgrid does not stimulate the specific terms” of the usage of street light poles".
It added that the Australian flag would “not contravene” terms around prohibiting advertising or political material, and wouldn't risk public safety or the electricity network.
Startling abuse and a death threat
Among the ongoing war of words, it has emerged council customer service staff have copped a barrage of abuse in the fallout over the Australian flag banner policy.
Employees have received more than 30 abusive messages and one phone call threatening to “f**king kill ya” in the wake of the controversy, The Daily Telegraph reported.
In a statement to Yahoo News Australia, the Central Coast Council said it had reported the messages to Wyong Police who are investigating the matter.
"Council does not tolerate abuse being directed at staff members," a spokesperson said.
"Over 90 per cent of Council staff are Central Coast residents too, and it is a Council priority that they are able to do their job effectively and without harassment."
Police have been unable to confirm the threats to Yahoo News Australia.
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