Your representation makes me a happy regional Australian, thank you

Please can you advertise who votes against it.

My request to save the many future victims of Domestic Violence. A flag is replaceable.

Thank you Pat for boldly standing up for our beautiful Australian flag, and all that it represents. It is incomprehensible that anyone elected to our parliament would not vote for your bill. In fact, respect for our current Australian flag and our country should be a requirement before they are allowed to take office.

That’s got be a given right?

Good on you Pat. We need this legislation now more than any time in the past and if it is not supported by both sides of the House then shame will be on those who oppose you.

Go for it and we should do the same for our ANZAC and other rememorial sites

I fully support this Bill. I've never understood why it wasn't a criminal offence before. Thank you Pat, I agree just because it's failed in the past doesn't mean it shouldn't be reconsidered.

Keep at ‘em please Pat!!

Arguments for the legality and protected nature of national flag burning in certain contexts primarily center on the principles of free speech and political expression. In many countries, such as the United States, flag burning is considered a form of symbolic speech protected under the Constitution. Proponents argue that the freedom to express even deeply unpopular or offensive political views is a cornerstone of a free society and essential for a robust public dialogue. The act is often a powerful, albeit controversial, form of political protest against government policies, actions, or the state itself. Arguments suggest that allowing citizens to voice dissent in this manner serves as a vital check on government power and a safety valve for intense political frustrations. Flag burning, when conducted without intent to incite violence or cause property damage unrelated to the flag itself, is argued to be a non-violent act that causes no direct physical harm to individuals. Defenders argue that the government protecting expression that is critical of the state itself is the ultimate demonstration of commitment to democratic principles. They believe that outlawing such expression would be a step towards authoritarianism, undermining the very values the flag is meant to symbolize. In the U.S., landmark Supreme Court cases like Texas v. Johnson (1989) have established clear legal precedent that flag desecration is constitutionally protected speech, solidifying the legal argument that the government cannot suppress expression merely because it finds it offensive or disagreeable. These arguments emphasize that respecting the right to dissent, even in its most extreme forms, is more important to a free nation than protecting a piece of cloth from physical harm.

It is a good start. Let's see who votes against it in parliament. Just one thing. Does it include other nationally recognised "Australian" flags?

Thank you for supporting one of the issues mentioned in my 9 page letter of September 2025 to ALL 128 Victorian and 228 Federal Parliamentarians. Not a single one, so far, has replied, only 3 acknowledgments of receipt, to any of the issues mentioned. Wish you luck with this one.

I agree with you Pat, but it would have more of a chance if you make it the same for any flag, irrespective of which country its from. No flags should be burnt, its disrespectful.

Well done Pat for standing up for Australia!

Thankyou Pat. 🇭🇲. No flags should ever be disrespected, we can set a good example, any flag desecrated -off you go back to your own country, fairs fair.

You have our total support Pat on your Private Members Bill.

Well done Pat. Thank you. Let’s hope common sense prevails and it gets done.

Is the National Indigenous flag included included in this Bill?

Australians shouldn’t need to resort to jingoism in order to express loyalty to core values. I signed a pledge to Queen Elizabeth II when I joined the ADF, but my loyalties were to our core values of freedom and democracy, a fair go for all (equality of opportunity, not equality of outcome). Nevertheless, our flag is a symbolic representation of those values. As such it must be protected and defended in the same way as we protect and defend the values this nation was built upon.

Good on you Pat!! We totally back you!! Let's hope they all understand the significance of this and vote it through. Should have been right from day one !!

Keep pushing Pat - you are fighting for what we all believe in.

Community Statement of Support Flags Amendment (Protection of Australian National Flags) Bill 2026 “Respect for national symbols is not about suppressing dissent — it is about preserving shared ground in a diverse democracy.” As a community leader working directly with young Australians, creatives, families, and multicultural groups, I support the intent of the Flags Amendment (Protection of Australian National Flags) Bill 2026. In community settings, the Australian flag is widely understood not as a political weapon, but as a symbol of: • shared civic identity • service and sacrifice • collective responsibility • national continuity across generations While Australians hold a broad range of views — and should continue to debate policy, history, and national direction freely — there is strong community agreement that deliberate desecration of national symbols undermines social cohesion rather than advancing constructive dialogue. Comparable democratic nations recognise this distinction and maintain legal protections for their national symbols without eroding freedom of expression. Australia should be confident enough in its democracy to do the same. This Bill does not erase dissent. It sets a baseline of respect — particularly important for young people still forming their understanding of citizenship, belonging, and national responsibility. Legislative progress often requires persistence. Previous attempts should inform refinement, not discourage resolve. Continuing this effort reflects leadership, not stubbornness. I believe this Bill represents a reasonable, values-based step toward reinforcing respect for Australia’s shared national symbols while preserving democratic debate. — Jay Jones Community Creative Director & Youth Advocate Coffs Harbour, NSW

Good luck , I think the majority of would like to see the Bill passed . I wish politicians would actually listen to the voters !

It’s about time somebody stood up on this topic .. heavy penalties who do it

Go for it cant understand that its not already !

Keep up the hard work 🇦🇺

Thank for your update, hope it cools things down

Thanks for weather info Pat! 👍

Narda Steward

Thank you.

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