Divisive debate flags ignorance of our past

There are few symbols more recognisable, or more meaningful, than the Australian flag.

It flies above our schools, our war memorials, and our Parliament. It is draped over the coffins of Australians who have served our nation. It is worn with pride by our athletes as they stand on the podium. It is carried by communities celebrating Australia Day, ANZAC Day and ceremonies right across the country.

It represents our history, our sacrifices, our achievements and our shared future.

That’s why it was disappointing to see delegates at the Australian Labor Party’s Federal Conference debate changing our national flag.

At a time when Australians are looking for leadership on the issues that matter most, Labor has chosen to reopen a debate over one of the very symbols that unites our nation.

For generations, Australians have rallied behind this flag in our nation’s proudest and most difficult moments.

Our servicemen and women have fought beneath it in defence of our country and our values. Many never returned home. Others came home carrying physical and emotional scars that would stay with them for life.

The Australian flag is a reminder of their courage, their sacrifice, and their commitment to something greater than themselves.

Every ANZAC Day, we gather in silence as the flag is raised. Every Remembrance Day, we pause beneath it to honour those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Changing the flag would not change our history. But it would diminish one of the enduring symbols under which those Australians served.

The same pride is seen every time our athletes represent Australia on the world stage.

Whether it is the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, the Commonwealth Games or world championships, Australian athletes don’t compete simply as individuals. They compete for their country.

There is no greater image than an Australian athlete donning the green and gold whilst proudly raising the Australian flag after representing our nation with distinction.

Just this week, our Commonwealth Games athletes commenced competition in Glasgow, proudly representing our nation. Across every sporting arena, the Australian flag unites competitors and supporters alike. Regardless of where they came from or who they voted for, they wore the same colours and represented the same country.

That is the power of our flag.

The Australian flag is not about politics.

It belongs equally to the veteran who defended our freedoms, the migrant who proudly became an Australian citizen, the school student reciting the national anthem, the volunteer serving at their local surf club, and the athlete standing on the podium as Advance Australia Fair plays.

It belongs to every Australian.

Of course, our country continues to evolve. We should always strive to become a stronger, fairer and more united nation.

But unity isn’t built by dismantling the symbols that have brought Australians together for generations.

It is built by respecting our shared history while working together to build an even better future.

Australians don’t need another divisive national debate over our flag.

They want a government who is focused on making life more affordable, that supports small businesses, strengthens our communities and ensures Australia remains safe and prosperous.

The Australian flag has flown over our nation’s greatest triumphs and our darkest days.

It reminds us that, regardless of our different backgrounds and beliefs, we are all Australians.

That is worth protecting.