A false directive from management meant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were removed from City of Melbourne Libraries front desks, leaving staff and some members of the public upset by the decision for weeks.
Around 10 minutes before opening doors on July 9, staff received instructions to remove the flags from reception desks of all seven of the council's libraries following a complaint received about them being on display without the Australian flag, a Libraries staff member alleges.
It occurred during NAIDOC Week.
This instruction from library managers to staff was a misinterpretation of the directive received from a step higher up the chain—Council.
On July 28, it was clarified the directive issued to management from City of Melbourne had been misinterpreted: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags can be displayed in designated areas, and also on reception desks if accompanied by the Australian flag.
Throughout the weeks in between a number of library staff were upset and frustrated by the incorrect directive, with hurt also expressed by a number of members of the public, National Indigenous Times has been told.
Ahead of the directive to remove flags a meeting was held between Libraries managers and its First Nations Engagement Working Group members.
National Indigenous Times understands Libraries' only full-time First Nations staff member was unable to make the meeting, after notification came through at around 5:30 pm on Wednesday, July 8, for a 9:30 am meeting on Thursday morning.
In an email sent to staff on the afternoon of July 9 and seen by National Indigenous Times, Libraries management acknowledged the initial decision to remove the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags was a sensitive issue, particularly during NAIDOC Week, and may be upsetting or disappointing for some staff.
The email also outlines the decision wasn't made by the First Nations Engagement Working Group, and was a "very difficult conversation".
"While many of us may find this issue challenging, it is important to recognise that our First Nations colleagues and community members are those most directly affected by decisions relating to the representation and visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures," part of the email reads.
Library management also recognised "there is still more work to do to ensure our spaces are culturally safe, welcoming, and inclusive for First Nations communities" and encouraged staff at their library to continue celebrating First Nations culture and involving First Peoples.
Despite the resolution following the correction of the false directive, a Libraries staff member said they were still frustrated and disappointed by the three weeks of confusion it caused.
They said the mix-up of clear communication was also an issue.
A City of Melbourne spokesperson said: "We're always working to make our community spaces safe, welcoming and inclusive for everyone."
"The standard City of Melbourne protocol for front desks at our facilities is to display the Aboriginal Flag, the Torres Strait Islander Flag and the Australian National Flag," they said.
"We recognise that people hold different views about the use of flags in public spaces.
"We will continue to celebrate and acknowledge First Nations cultures and connection to Country through displays, artwork and other cultural elements throughout the library."
