James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I love our flag. I love our country. And 3 September is National Flag Day. National Flag Day celebrates the first time our nation's flag was flown, on 3 September 1901. Our flag is our foremost symbol. It is an expression of Australian identity, unity and pride. So I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the nature of our nation and what Australia represents for those of us who are lucky enough to call this place home.

Australia is the most perfectly imperfect nation in the world. And, whether you're a recent arrival to its shores or have been here since the Dreamtime, Australia strives to provide a fair go for all. Our treasured values, based on Judaeo-Christian foundations, include a commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and a mutual respect for the rights and freedoms of the individual. We are a nation that promotes tolerance and compassion, and we are welcoming of new Australians who wish to live by these values.

Unfortunately, under this current Labor government, we are observing a gradual degradation of these values. Extremism is on the rise in our streets and members of our communities do not feel safe. Far-left Islamic-terrorist sympathisers and violent Neo-Nazis do not represent us or our values. We have lost too many men and women fighting these extremist causes to allow the far left or the far right to raise their fists in Australia. We cannot stand idly by and allow extremism of any kind to take root. We should honour our flag and we should remember those who have died for our flag. We should—

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator.