The Coalition has announced a plan to protect local war memorials, Australia Day and the Australian flag from those who seek to diminish or destroy them.
In recent months, Australians have seen war memorials vandalised, anti-Australian slogans sprayed across commemorative sites and the Australian flag burned at protests.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said Australians should be able to take pride in their country and its history, and hundreds of people had signed her petition calling for the burning of the Australian flag to be made a criminal offence.
“I’m proud to call Australia home, and I know so many people across Capricornia are too,” Ms Landry said.
“The strong response to my petition shows Australians want our national symbols treated with respect.
“That means standing up for our national day, our flag and the memorials that honour Australians who served and sacrificed for our country.”
The Coalition will:
- Introduce serious penalties for deliberately damaging war memorials and other significant national monuments.
- Protect Australia Day on 26 January, with any future change requiring the approval of Australians through a national plebiscite.
- Create a criminal offence for serious public desecration of the Australian flag, especially where it will incite hatred or violence.
Ms Landry said protecting these symbols was about protecting the values and history they represent.
“If we don’t stand up for the things that bring Australians together, we risk losing them.
“Local war memorials like the John Leak Memorial in Rockhampton’s Victoria Park, the Billy Sing Memorial in Clermont, and the ANZAC Memorial Walk in Emu Park carry the names of people from communities like ours who left their families to serve Australia. They deserve our protection.”
This measure forms part of the Coalition’s plan to fix the economy and protect our way of life.
“Our plan is focused on four immediate priorities. Lower taxes, cheaper power, less migration and more homes, while putting Australians first.” Ms Landry said.
“We believe Australia is worth fighting for. That’s exactly what we’ll do.”
ENDS
Media Contact:
Office of Michelle Landry MP
0418 908 159
michelle.landry.mp@aph.gov.au
