The symbolic act of an Indigenous man setting the Australian flag ablaze during a protest on Monday has ignited fierce debate and drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, as the motivations behind the dramatic gesture have been brought to light.
Defiant Act in Queens Gardens
The Indigenous leader, identified as Moojidji, lit the flag while addressing a gathered crowd at the Invasion Day rally held in Brisbane's Queens Gardens. In a powerful statement, Moojidji explained that he burned the flag to directly challenge Australia's legal legitimacy and constitutional foundations.
He articulated that this act represented a firm stand for Indigenous sovereignty against what he described as an 'illegal entity of law,' emphatically stating that the Australian flag 'doesn't represent all of us.' Moojidji further elaborated: 'We chant for land rights. We're not just chanting for ourselves as human beings, we're chanting for country.'
As the flag was set alight, the crowd could be heard cheering in support before the flames were eventually stamped out on the ground, creating a moment that has since reverberated across the nation.
Political Condemnation and Legal Considerations
The actions have prompted widespread criticism from both federal and Queensland state governments, alongside opposition parties and prominent political figures. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman expressed the federal government's position, stating: 'The overwhelming majority of Australians have no time for this divisive behaviour.'
Gorman emphasised that 'The Australian national flag, the Aboriginal flag, and Torres Strait Islander flag should all be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve as the nation's most important national symbols.' He added a significant legal note: 'In certain circumstances, conduct associated with desecration of a flag may constitute an offence.'
While Queensland Police confirmed awareness of the incident, they indicated they were not currently considering charges, highlighting the complex legal landscape surrounding such symbolic protests.
Cross-Party Reactions
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson delivered particularly strong criticism, labelling the flag burner as 'un-Australian.' In comments to the Courier Mail, she declared: 'I have no time for them if they want to burn the Australian flag. They've lost me completely.' Hanson continued with a call for unity: 'They can't change history. No one can but we must unite. We're all Australians.'
This incident occurs just one week after the federal opposition attempted, unsuccessfully, to ban flag burning through parliamentary measures as part of new hate speech legislation. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley reinforced her party's position, stating: 'The Liberal Party moved to ban flag burning because we believe our national symbols deserve protection and respect, not destruction and stunts for attention.'
Ley carefully distinguished between protest rights and symbolic destruction: 'Every Australian has the right to peaceful protest, but there is no right to vandalise or desecrate the national flag.'
Defence and Broader Context
Amidst the condemnation, Greens councillor Trina Massey offered a contrasting perspective, defending the flag burning as an expression that the Indigenous community should have the right to act as they choose on what many consider a day of mourning.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of significant public opinion on the matter. An Institute of Public Affairs poll released in August revealed that 77 per cent of Australians believe burning the national flag should be against the law, including 76 per cent of those aged 18–24. Furthermore, sixty-three per cent of Australians believe individuals who burn the national flag should face jail time.
IPA's Deputy Executive Director Daniel Wild interpreted these findings, stating: 'Australians have had an absolute gutful of radical activists burning the Australian flag. It is a wake-up call for our out-of-touch and weak political class – mainstream Australians want harsh consequences for the desecration of their flag.'
Wild balanced this with recognition of fundamental rights: 'The right to freedom of speech and the ability for Australians to peacefully protest must always be sacrosanct. However, this poll makes clear that the denigration and desecration of our key civic symbols has gone unchecked by our leaders for too long and will no longer be tolerated.'
Parallel Incidents and Tensions
Adding to the day's tensions, Queensland Police reported having to separate protesters in Brisbane's central business district after two individuals carrying Australian flags arrived at the Invasion Day rally. Police engaged with a woman who brandished an Australian flag as Invasion Day protesters shouted across the street.
The woman was heard asserting 'I have a right to stand here' during her conversation with police officers. Several protesters could be heard yelling expletives at the woman, who was eventually moved on by police after being surrounded by officers, illustrating the charged atmosphere surrounding these national symbols.
These events occurred as thousands gathered nationwide in support of Indigenous communities on January 26, with similar Invasion Day rallies taking place across Australia, including significant gatherings in Melbourne and other major cities, reflecting the deep and ongoing national conversation about history, symbolism, and reconciliation.
