Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator McCarthy, for the question. This being NAIDOC Week and this also being Remembrance Day, can I start in responding to your question by acknowledging not only all of those who have served our country, as we remember them on Remembrance Day, but also, to particularly acknowledge, the many Indigenous Australians who have served our country—especially those who served through the early years, when, indeed, their recognition was lacking in many other parts of society and constitutionally, yet they still sought to defend our great nation.

In relation to the question that Senator McCarthy has asked about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, the motion that was put yesterday was addressed by Senator Ruston in remarks on behalf of the government. The government believes it's appropriate for the Australian national flag to be flown in this chamber. As you said, Senator McCarthy, in relation to the remarks that Senator Boswell made at the time, that is our national symbol. It is the national flag, and, Senator McCarthy—through you, Mr President—that remains the government's position.