The increasing scenes of protesters burning the Australian National Flag are deeply disturbing, disrespectful, and entirely out of step with the values we share as Australians.
Our flag is more than cloth and colour. It is the symbol worn by members of the Australian Defence Force on their shoulders and draped over the coffins of our fallen. When individuals choose to burn or deliberately desecrate it, they show contempt not only for those who serve and have served, but for every Australian who takes pride in our country.
Last year and earlier this year, I supported motions put forward by Phillip Thompson OAM MP to address this issue. Labor and the Greens voted those motions down. As a result, this appalling behaviour continues without consequence.
That is why I am calling for stronger protections and for the deliberate burning or desecration of the Australian National Flag to be made a criminal offence.
I encourage you to sign the petition below and show your support for protecting our National Flag and the values it represents