I am very pleased by the number of Swan Hill residents who have contacted my Electorate Office seeking a ‘Together under One Flag’ sticker to promote our national flag.  Pride in the Australian flag is very strong, and long may it be so.

The Australian flag represents the sacrifice of over 103,000 Australians who died in service to our country. Activists have burned our flag in the last couple of months at public protests. Burning the Australian flag insults our fallen, veterans, their service and legacy.

The Nationals have introduced a parliamentary bill to ban burning the Australian flag.  I have always supported that position, and former Leader of The Nationals John Anderson supported the position long ago.  The Nationals Flags Amendment (Protection of Australian National Flags) Bill 2026 is a landmark moment because we – as a party of government – have been able to proceed, with the Coalition’s blessing – to protect our flag.

The Nationals’ bill will make it a federal offence to burn or desecrate the flag or the Red Ensign (our maritime flag), or to publicly share images of the act.   Offenders face penalties of up to $16,500 or 12 months’ jail.   New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, France and Germany have similar laws.  

An Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) survey found 77 per cent of Australians are with The Nationals on this topic.  63 per cent believe the offence should carry a jail sentence.

Under The Nationals’ bill, people on visas would face deportation if they desecrate our flag.  71 per cent of Australians back this move.

Burning or desecrating the flag is a symbolic call to violence, an attack on our social unity and not what Australia needs after the horror of the Bondi massacre.

I provide Australian flags to veterans and not-for-profit community organisations that request them, subject to a tight budget so I cannot grant every request.  

Three-quarters of Australians believe we should keep our flag – only 10 per cent disagree.  The majority supports our flag across all age groups.

Let’s fly our flag proudly and unite under one flag.