flag

The iconic flag that has become a symbol of Aboriginal Australia is now freely available for public use, after its designer agreed to transfer copyright to the Commonwealth following long negotiations.

• The Commonwealth has won copyright for the free use of the Aboriginal flag
• Artist Harold Thomas designed the flag in 1970 and says it should be flown unaltered, proudly and without restriction
• The government agreed to establish a scholarship and undertake several other measures in return

Luritja artist Harold Thomas created the flag in 1970 to represent Aboriginal people and their connection to the land, and it has been an official national flag since the end of the last century — but its copyright remained with Mr Thomas.

Anyone who wanted to use the flag legally had to ask permission or pay a fee.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt said following negotiations with Mr Thomas, the flag now belonged to all Australians.

"Over the last 50 years we made Harold Thomas’ artwork our own — we marched under the Aboriginal Flag, stood behind it, and flew it high as a point of pride," Mr Wyatt said in a statement.

"Now that the Commonwealth holds the copyright, it belongs to everyone, and no-one can take it away."

Mr Thomas said he hoped Australians would use the flag with respect and pride.

"I hope that this arrangement provides comfort to all Aboriginal people and Australians to use the Flag, unaltered, proudly and without restriction," he said.

"I am grateful that my art is appreciated by so many, and that it has come to represent something so powerful to so many."

Read more:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-24/aboriginal-flag-copyright-transferred-to-commonwealth/100778324

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