It’s Time to Protect the Australian Flag
Following the recent recall of Parliament and the passage of the Government’s hate speech laws in January 2026, Andrew Willcox MP, Member for Dawson, is calling for urgent action to criminalise the burning and desecration of the Australian flag.
Despite repeated attempts, including an amendment during the January 2026 sitting, the Albanese Labor Government voted against making flag burning a criminal offence. This leaves the national flag, the enduring symbol of our history, freedoms and shared values, vulnerable to public desecration.
“The Australian flag is not just a piece of fabric,” Mr Willcox said.
“It represents our shared history, our sacrifices, and the freedoms earned through generations of courage and service. Sadly, most recently on Australia Day, we’ve seen the flag set alight in public protests, actions that are celebrated by some, but which show contempt for everything the flag stands for.”
Mr Willcox referenced recent protests in Brisbane and other cities where the flag has been burned in front of crowds, while Australians wearing the flag with pride have been threatened or attacked.
“It is deeply disturbing that someone proudly displaying the Australian flag can be targeted, while those who burn it face no consequence under federal law. This is not a race or religion matter, it is about respect for our nation, its symbols, and the values we all share,” he said.
“No words can describe the feelings I believe the majority of Australians hold when seeing this disgraceful act,” Mr Willcox added.
“Burning our Australian flag, or any flag, isn’t ‘brave’ or ‘activism’, it’s disrespectful and wrong.
“Protest is a democratic right but desecrating our national flag is not.
“Our flag represents our shared history, the sacrifices of Australians before us, and the freedoms that allow peaceful protests to occur in the first place.
“This has been raised in Parliament twice now and I have spoken in support of making this illegal. Yet the Albanese Government refused to support this, voting it down.
“Burning our flag doesn’t advance justice or unity, it deepens division and erodes respect.
“Twice in the space of six months, the Albanese Government has shelved this important protection.
“The question is simple: why is the government so determined to leave our national flag unprotected?”
Mr Willcox emphasised that protecting the Australian flag is about unity.
“We do our best as a nation when we stand together under one flag. I will continue to fight for legislation that ensures our national symbol is respected and safeguarded for generations to come.”
After strong public support, Mr Willcox has launched an online petition on his website to criminalise the desecration of the Australian flag. People can find the petition at andrewwillcox.com.au.
ENDS
Contact: Amanda Wright | Media & Communications Adviser
P | 07 4944 0662 M | 0455 456 705 E | Amanda.Wright@aph.gov.au