Butcher's Apron Must Go

The Sunday Tasmanian didn't publish my letter regarding a new Tasmanian Flag, as raised by State Labor MP, Lisa Singh recently.

So here it is:

Why stop with removing the red lion passant from the Tasmanian flag (Flag Your Ideas, SunTas 6.12.2009)? It won’t truly be a new flag until the Butcher’s Apron in the top left corner is consigned to the dustbin of history.

Let’s have a state flag that is forward looking, unique and truly represents the Tasmania of today, not an irrelevant carbon copy from an age of cowtowing to a now expired empire.

Scott Plimpton

West Hobart

It's rubbish!

Flag your ideas

Flag your ideas

Sunday Tasmanian (Australia) - Sunday, December 6, 2009

Author: Danielle McKay

The Sunday Tasmanian 's recent front-page report about Denison MHA Lisa Singh's call for a new Tasmanian flag sparked a wave of letters-- some critical, some complimentary. Danielle McKay explores the mood for change

CAN you imagine a Tasmanian flag with a Tasmanian devil on it? A butterfly perhaps? Or even a blue gum?

These are just some of the dozens of suggestions that have flooded into the office of Labor MHA Lisa Singh since her call early last month for a new Tasmanian flag .

Ms Singh raised the contentious issue during Celebrate Tasmania Day on November 8. She suggested removing the imperial lion, which has been part of the flag since its creation in 1869, because it was antiquated and irrelevant, replacing it with a unique Tasmanian symbol.

Ms Singh said she had received a mass of support, which had firmed her views.

``I believe the Tasmanian devil should be represented on the flag instead of the lion and I want to put that forward as a firm proposal,'' she said.

``The reasoning is that I believe, given the very real threat faced by devils from the facial tumour disease, we must do everything we can do to promote it.

``There is no more appropriate symbolic demonstration of our commitment to the survival of the devil than to have it featured on our flag .''

Long-standing Tasmanian devil campaigner Nick Mooney said the devil would be ideal regardless of the current disease battle.

``The main decision should be around getting away from the stupid bloody lion and getting something that is relevant on there,'' Mr Mooney said.

``The devil would be a great option, but there are also other great options like the blue gum, waratah, wattlebird, swift parrot, native-hen or eastern quoll.

``Having an endemic plant or animal would be great. It's Tasmania's flag and the symbol should be Tasmanian .''

However, staunch monarchist and Liberal stalwart Michael Hodgman said the flag should be left alone.

``The Tasmanian flag is a historical feature, much older than the Australian national flag ,'' Mr Hodgman said.

``The use of the red lion passant in the flag from the British coat of arms reflects the fact that when the colony of Tasmania was established, we inherited some key foundations as to how we are governed.''

Mr Hodgman said the lion was important because it reminded Tasmanians of the rule of law, the system of being innocent until

proven guilty, the supremacy of parliament over the executive government of the day and the separation of powers.

``Anyone who understands and cares about our state's history realises the symbolism of what it represents,'' he said.

Australian National Flag Association state president Reg Watson said he had not met one person who supported the change.

``I'm amazed by how many people are commenting on the issue,'' Mr Watson said.

``Maybe it's the circles I move in but not one person has supported a change.

``It has renewed my drive to protect our symbols from further change, knowing that I'm acting on behalf of what I believe is the majority of Tasmanians .''

Home made Prosciutto

I made some! Duncan & Jeannie had soem pigs slaughtered late last year. I salted a leg approx last December. Hung it in January 2009, and sliced into it yesterday (Dec 12). It pretty good.

Check out the pix here.

Will defo be making some more.

"Admiral" arrives home in Sullivan's Cove

The “Admiral”, which was relaunched in Huonville last week after an extensive restoration under the guidance of Bern Cuthbertson and the “Admirality” arrived back in her home port last Saturday.

Aboard for the final leg of the trip was the Governor of Tasmania, Peter Underwood. The vessel was greeted at Watermans’ Dock by the Lord Mayor, his deputy and a throng of family, friends and assorted others. It turned out that last Saturday was exactly 144 (tbc) years to the day that “Admiral” was first used as a Governor’s barge.

In his speech, Governor Underwood indicated that he would be happy for “Admiral” to serve as Governor’s barge once more, at least for the time he was the occupant of Government House.

The Governor also mentioned the fact that a permanent home needed to be found for “Admiral” somewhere on the waterfront. Currently there seems to be a bit of a battle raging between TasPorts, The State Government and the HCC as to where the vessel will eventually wind up.

Here’s hoping the various authorities come to their senses and the “Admiral” finds a home deserving of its long and direct link to the early years of Hobart’s European history.

There’s an album of photos from the day right here.