The Coalition has unveiled a policy proposal that would make the serious public desecration of the Australian flag a criminal offence, punishable by up to a year in prison. The proposal, announced on Sunday, would apply if the actions were reckless in inciting hatred or violence, or threatened public order or caused a public disturbance.
Angus Taylor, a Coalition member, stated that these penalties are necessary to "stand up for our country." He rejected claims that the policy is an attempt to undermine One Nation, whose leader, Pauline Hanson, has previously advocated for criminal penalties for flag burning.
The plan also includes creating a new criminal offence for deliberately damaging, defacing, desecrating, or destroying war memorials and other significant historical sites. Additionally, the policy aims to "protect" Australia Day on 26 January by enshrining it in law, requiring a national plebiscite to alter the date of national day celebrations.
Assistant foreign affairs minister Matt Thistlethwaite described the Coalition's policy as unnecessary and suggested it may impinge on Australians’ freedom of expression and speech. Former Liberal prime minister John Howard had previously rejected attempts to criminalise flag burning, including in 2002, viewing it as a matter of free speech.