The Aboriginal flag has been freed of copyright constraints that prevented its use for more than three years after a $20 million taxpayer-funded settlement with Luritja artist Harold Thomas.

The end to the long-running legal controversy will mean the ensign can be painted on sports grounds, used on apparel such as sports jerseys and shirts, on websites, in paintings and other artworks, digitally and in any other medium without having to ask for permission or pay a fee.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Ken Wyatt told 6PR Breakfast host Gareth Parker the money was well spent as would allow the flag to be used during events that promote Indigenous culture, such as the AFL’s annual Dreamtime round.

“You recall during Dreamtime, the AFL couldn’t use the flag on the ground without paying an exorbitant amount,” he told the program.

Tap PLAY below to hear more about the ‘tremendous’ negotiations.

.@ScottMorrisonMP and I are proud to announce the transfer of the Aboriginal Flag copyright to the Commonwealth.

In reaching this agreement, all Australians can now freely display & use the Aboriginal Flag to celebrate Indigenous culture.

Read more: https://t.co/Ji9B0PFlJD pic.twitter.com/IyT0uZczJe

— Ken Wyatt (@KenWyattMP) January 24, 2022