By the time this year comes to a close, the Aboriginal flag will have taken up permanent residence atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge at cost of $25 million.
Mr. Perrottet noted that this is one of the practical efforts the government is taking towards bridging the gap in preparation for the state budget that will be presented on Tuesday.
“Our Indigenous history should be celebrated and acknowledged so young Australians understand the rich and enduring culture that we have here with our past,” Mr. Perrottet told reporters.
“We are making significant investments, adopting new approaches, and taking practical steps to close the gap and improve outcomes for Aboriginal people across New South Wales,” he added.
“This move is just another step in the healing process between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” said the Premier. “Reconciliation is about promoting better ties and this is a big part of that.”
When Mr. Perrottet was asked about the reason for the installation’s large price tag of $25 million, he responded by saying that he didn’t know but that it was a small price to pay for togetherness.
“I’m even surprised it takes this long. I mean I made the announcement a while ago and the first brief that came back was that it takes two years to do.
“But apparently it does, apparently that’s the costing, and I think that it’s an important decision that we’ve made.
“I think it brings unity to our country and I think it’s a small price to pay for that unification.” Mr. Perrottet made the initial announcement of the idea back in February, and it is going to be flown alongside the flags of both Australia and New South Wales.
Ben Franklin, the minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, added that the government is “incredibly proud” of its decision.