The opposition has proposed laws that would criminalise flag burning, with up to 10 years in prison as punishment, and enshrine 26 January as Australia Day in legislation, according to News Corp papers.
Proposed criminalisation of flag burning
The proposed legislation would make flag burning a criminal offence, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The move is part of a broader push to protect national symbols.
Australia Day enshrined in law
The opposition also wants to enshrine 26 January as Australia Day in law, a step that is likely to reignite debates over the date's significance.
Leader Angus Taylor said he would not “be shy in standing up for the national pride that we should all feel for our great country”.
“Our flag represents the country we love. Our war memorials honour Australians who put their lives on the line. Australia Day is our national day that unites us all. These things belong to the Australian people and they should not be torn down, smashed, desecrated, or quietly stripped of their significance,” Taylor said.
