To Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Mr Schrinner,
What is the point of backing Israeli genocide over Palestinian resistance to occupation? First, you allow the West End market’s managers (Goodwill Projects Pty Ltd) to ban the Palestine Fair Trade stall from the markets. And then you light up the Story bridge with the colours of genocide (Israeli Flag). And now you want to erase the Palestinian flag artwork in West End?
I have lived in the Brisbane (Meanjin) for 73 years, and I frequent West End each week as a long-term resident of Brisbane.
I was not surprised to hear the Brisbane City Council is going to remove the Palestinian flag artwork currently painted on the intersection of Boundary Street and Vulture Street in West End, next to the First Nations flag that has been there for a long time. These community artworks are not “graffiti” but important expressions of community solidarity and should remain in place.
I know that you will sprout Zionist talking points on this issue and claim that the Palestinians support Hamas which is a terror organisation. If you truly denounce terrorism, then surely, you would denounce the murder of over 20,000 Palestinian civilians by the Israeli occupation forces in the ongoing offensive on Gaza, so far. And what better way you can show your unequivocal opposition to terror against civilians, other than by allowing the Palestinian flag on the corner of vulture and Boundary Street West End.
I demand that you rescind the decision to remove the flag artworks and immediately instruct BCC CEO Colin Jensen to prevent its removal in the future.
I demand action by Brisbane City Council to support Indigenous peoples’ rights here and all around the world.
I will keep in mind your decision when I vote next year in the upcoming election. A candidate in the 2024 Mayoral election, Greens Jonathan Sriranganathan, supports retention of both Aboriginal and Palestinian Flags.
I look forward to your response.
Ian Curr
21 December 2023