Coalition denies flag-burning ban an attempt to undercut One Nation as Labor says push has ‘element of desperation’
Summary
The Australian government is proposing laws to make burning the Australian flag a crime punishable by up to one year in prison, especially if the act incites violence or public disorder. The plan also includes protecting war memorials and legally securing Australia Day’s date unless changed by a national vote. Some politicians support the law to protect national symbols, while others worry it may limit free speech.Key Facts
- The new law would criminalize serious public desecration of the Australian flag, with penalties including up to 12 months in prison.
- The offence applies if the flag burning is reckless in causing hatred, violence, or public disorder.
- A new law would also protect war memorials from damage or desecration.
- Australia Day would be legally protected on January 26, and any change to the date would require a national plebiscite (a public vote).
- Coalition’s Angus Taylor says the law is about protecting national heritage, not political competition with One Nation.
- One Nation leader Pauline Hanson previously pushed for similar laws and gathered about 50,000 signatures on a petition for it.
- Critics, like Labor’s Matt Thistlethwaite, believe the law is unnecessary and risks limiting freedom of expression.
- Former Prime Minister John Howard opposed criminalizing flag burning, calling it a free speech issue despite finding the act offensive.
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