Australia divided after huge eye-watering cost to fly the Aboriginal flag on Sydney's Harbour Bridge

For the first time in Australia's history, the Aboriginal flag will fly permanently on top of Sydney's Harbour Bridge. 

But the eye-watering cost to add the flagpole is dividing the state with the Premier offering to go to Bunnings and put up the pole himself. 

The patriotic pride of Australia flying high above Sydney's Harbour. The national flag and alongside it, a symbol of its indigenous history where the state Premier vowed it will stay permanently.

"We built the Harbour bridge in 1920. I'm surprised it's taken this long," Premier of New South Wales Dominic Perrottet said.

But what was meant to be a symbol of unity is dividing the state over its cost. 

"It probably would be the most expensive flagpole in Australia," flag manufacturer Ray Haynes said.

Haynes is responsible for building some of Australia's most famous flagpoles. 

"When I first heard they were proposing $25 million to put a flagpole on the bridge, it seemed steep," he said.

The project is complex as it's designed to stand 18 metres high, with the two existing poles to be replaced and the third added. 

"We have expert advice, the Premier has raised concern about that expert advice," NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said.

Because initial quotes were $300,000, but are now sitting at $25 million. 

Community leaders said that could build a lot of aboriginal houses or put a lot of aboriginal kids through school.

"I quoted this morning if they wanted to quote $25 million, I'd charge $10 million," Haynes said.

The Premier is offering an even cheaper option. 

"I mean I'll climb up there, go to Bunnings myself and climb up and put the pole up," he said.

An expensive job, best left to the experts.