Last night Pride flags in Launceston Mall were vandalised. The attack coming on the eve of the city hosting an inclusion forum and launching their first ever LGBTIQA+ community survey.
Comment from Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome said the vandalism during Pride month was a reminder of why Pride celebrations are important.
“It’s extremely disappointing Launceston’s first ever pride flags have been targetted in what seems like a hate-motivated attack.”
“The vandalism is a reminder of why pride month is so important.” Croome said.
“Most people will abhor this act of vandalism and I hope it will galvanise support for LGBTIQA inclusion.”
CCTV footage has shown a masked individual climbed up the flag poles to slash the flags. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, and almost every flag in the mall was vandalised.
Tasmania Police are investigating the crime and asked for information and witnesses who saw any suspicious activity in the area about 4am Thursday.
Contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
City of Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood has condemned the attack.
“I really do want to push forward that this behaviour is absolutely condemned by the City of Launceston, and I would like to think by the community.” he said when speaking to the media on Thursday.
Local government LGBTIQA+ forum a Tasmanian first
“By coincidence, Launceston today hosted Tasmania’s first local government forum on LGBTIQA inclusion which will focus on solutions to the kind of discrimination the flag incident highlights.“ Croome said.
“The forum, organised by Equality Tasmania and the Local Government Association of Tasmania, saw councillors and council staff from across Tasmania learn about the discrimination LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians still face and what councils can do to tackle that discrimination.”
City of Launceston LGBTIQA+ community survey a first for Northern Tasmania
Rodney Croome shared that the council had also launched its first ever community survey for LGBTIQA+ residents.
“As part of that forum, Launceston Council today released its survey of the LGBTIQA+ community that will form the basis of an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan.
“The City of Launceston’s LGBTIQA+ survey is the first of its kind in Northern Tasmania.”
“It shows the Council not only values the principles of inclusion and equal opportunity but wants to hear from those most affected how it can put those principles into practice.” Croome said.
“LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians still face much higher rates of discrimination, stigma, hate crime, mental health risk and housing risk, as well as difficulties accessing services addressing these issues.”
“The City of Launceston’s survey and subsequent Action Plan will go a long way to addressing those problems.” he added.
05-06-25 8pm: Additional information added about CCTV reports, police investigation and comment from Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood.
