Together Under ONE Flag

The Australian flag is not just a piece of fabric. It is the enduring symbol of who we are. It represents our shared history, our sacrifices, and the freedoms earned through generations of courage and service. As the federal member for Dawson, one of my favourite tasks is presenting an upstanding community member with an Australian flag. It makes me so happy, to see in that moment of handover, genuine pride smiling back at me.

Sadly, in recent times our national flag has come under attack and with it, an attack on our country and what it means to be Australian.

More and more frequently the streets of our major cities have been overrun by extremist flags and hate-filled chants, while the burning of our national flag is being cheered. These are not peaceful protests. These are demonstrations of division, contempt, and a worrying disdain for the values we hold as Australians. I find this deeply disturbing.

We must as a country be strong, stand up to this behaviour and say enough. No more.

Last week I was interviewed on Sky News talking on this very subject.  Footage was shown of a Pro-Palestinian protest in Melbourne. Among the crowd a man emerged with an Australian flag, holding it up in pride against the wave of angry voices. The result was the man being swarmed by the protesters and punched in the side the head before the police escorted him away. 

While, as part of this and similar protests recently the Australian flag has been set alight and celebrated by the crowds. Honestly how is it, that someone adorning our national flag is carted away by the cops, yet our Prime Minister and government turns a blind eye to our national flag being burnt?  This is an absolute disgrace. I can not believe what I have been witnessing.

That’s why I proudly support the motion to criminalise the burning and/or desecration of the Australian flag, being put forward by the Member for Herbert, Phil Thompson.  I fear Labor and the Greens will block it, but Australians must not stay silent.

The Australian flag is a symbol of what it is to be Australian and what it should always remain to be Australian.

I am a proud Aussie and I am proud of our national flag.

I will fight for all that it represents.  Because Australia and the Australian Flag is worth fighting for.

And we do that best when we stand together, under one flag.