THE Queen’s portrait will remain on the council chambers’ wall for the time being after a motion to have it removed was lost.
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Cr Keith Hughes raised a motion on notice at Wednesday’s Bega Valley Shire Council Meeting to have the portrait removed - and potentially sold - but amended that to have it re-hung only when required under state and federal legislation.
The motion came on the back of a deputation at the previous council meeting by David Dixon on behalf of the local Djiringanj elders.
“We are not here to tell anyone to hang or not hang a picture on a wall,” Mr Dixon said.
“But the image and symbolism of the Queen and what it represents is one of great sorrow for my people and for original peoples across this land.
“There is no need to go into detail as we all should know what has caused the great sorrow - and if we don’t know then there is much education to be done here.
“And we are more than happy to help educate this matter, as well as educate about the history and culture of this land.”
Councillors heard the image of the Queen is required under federal legislation at citizenship ceremonies, so its complete removal was not appropriate, but most councillors also spoke against the motion entirely.
Cr Sharon Tapscott said its removal would create a “philosophical void”.
“Which leader then fills that void?
“Shorten, Abbott, Putin, Obama? Minority groups could be worse off.”
Cr Bill Taylor also voted to retain the Queen’s portrait, while admitting he didn’t like that particular painting of her.
“I believe we should retain tradition until the Constitution is changed or there is a resolved Republican debate.”
Mayor Michael Britten concurred, before adding “we are elected to debate on behalf of the community so this is a discussion for the wider public”.
Cr Hughes countered the Republic argument in his right of reply.
“Whether the portrait comes down or not has no impact on who is our head of state,” he said.
“This is not about Republic versus Monarchy, it’s just about what we want in our chamber.”
Cr Hughes and Liz Seckold were the only votes for the portrait’s removal.