Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Daniel, from the Wimmera in my electorate of Mallee, wrote to me this week. He said:

We have so much pride and joy within our country to protect our flag, but seeing people on the tv, burning our national flag is showing utmost disrespect to, every single man and woman who fought for us, who still continue to today, to help us live a safe and happy life …

I wholeheartedly agree with Daniel's sentiments.

The Australian flag represents the sacrifice of over 103,000 Australians who died in service to our country. Burning the Australian flag insults our fallen veterans, their service and their legacy. Daniel continued:

It makes my blood boil, seeing these people do this to our flag. I don't understand why people do this? Why? When we give so many people the opportunity to come and live a better life here in Australia, to start fresh …

I ask our Prime Minister to step up and take the lead in making this illegal to burn our national flag.

I am pleased to say that the Nationals have already moved a private member's bill to do just that, and I encourage the House to support it.