A Victorian couple is flying a flag featuring a swastika over their home in a small town in the state’s north-west, reigniting calls to ban people publicly displaying the symbol.
The red and black flag, which has a swastika surrounded by several other Nazi-related symbols, has been flying for at least several weeks over a private property in the Mallee town of Beulah, about four hours from Melbourne.
Its presence has outraged several neighbours, who have complained to police, and has been condemned by both the state government and the opposition.
Beulah police have received multiple complaints from neighbours about the flag over the past fortnight.
“We are currently investigating and awaiting legal advice as to what, if any, offences have been committed,” Leading Senior Constable Shayne Riggall said.
The matter has also been brought to the attention of Yarriambiack Shire Council, however, chief executive Jessie Holmes said the council did not have the power to request the home owners take it down.
“We are aware the flag is causing a level of concern. What the flag represents is not in line with the values of council and we are disappointed it is causing offence in the community,” she said.
“However, we don’t have a particular level or provision that enables us to act on that. We have received no specific complaint from a person in the community but it has been raised with us that it’s there.”
Read the article by Simone Fox Koob in The Age.