Palestinian flag causes stir
THE Victorian Trades Hall Council was embarrassed this week by a Palestinian flag flying on the building of its Carlton headquarters.
THE Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) was embarrassed this week by a Palestinian flag flying on the building of its Carlton headquarters, apparently without the union peak body’s express permission.
The AJN understands the flag was hoisted on the building some time ago by a Trades Hall caretaker living in an on-site cottage, who has since gone on sick leave, which has prolonged the time the flag has been on display.
The flag was clearly visible to traffic and passers-by on Tuesday.
According to sources, the caretaker, who has lived in the cottage for around 15 years, occasionally raises flags on commemorative days, such as for independence movements in western Papua and western Sahara, without consulting the VTHC, although his -activities are generally endorsed by the VTHC.
But the Palestinian flag has “created some angst”, the sources said, with some VTHC executive members “not happy” and steps being taken to have the flag removed on Tuesday this week – the day The AJN contacted the VTHC – amid calls within the Victorian union body for greater oversight.
The AJN was told the flag incident is not related to this week’s landmark Australian visit by Benjamin Netanyahu, the first visit by a sitting Israeli PM.
Zionist Federation of Australia president Danny Lamm reflected: “A Palestinian flag may yet one day fly over a Palestinian nation, but only when they are ready to talk peace and join civilised nations.”
A VTHC spokesperson declined to comment publicly on the incident.
PETER KOHN
comments