Australian Government buys copyright to Aboriginal flag

The aboriginal flag, designed by artist Harold Thomas, is now free to fly for Australians without permission or payment of fees. The deal ends a long-running dispute about the flag’s public use.

The Australian government has acquired the copyright to the Aboriginal flag for Aus $17 million  making it free to fly without the threat of legal action.

This marks the end to a long-term dispute which had restricted sporting teams and Aboriginal communities from reproducing the image.

 “Now that the Commonwealth holds the copyright, it belongs to everyone, and no one can take it away,”said Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt in a statement. 

He further said “Scott Morrison  and I are proud to announce the transfer of the Aboriginal Flag copyright to the Commonwealth. In reaching this agreement, all Australians can now freely display & use the Aboriginal Flag to celebrate Indigenous culture.”

The Aboriginal flag has been recognized as an official flag of Australia since 1995, flown from government buildings and embraced by sporting clubs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said:

“The government has freed the Aboriginal flag for Australians.”

He added that it could now be used in apparel, on sports grounds, and in other medium “without having to ask for permission or pay a fee.”

“Now that the Commonwealth holds the copyright, it belongs to everyone, and no one can take it away,” said Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt in a statement.