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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Tom McIlroy Political editor

Coalition denies flag-burning ban an attempt to undercut One Nation as Labor says push has ‘element of desperation’

Protesters hold Australian flags outside Victorian parliament
Former Liberal prime minister John Howard rejected previous attempts to criminalise flag burning, calling the act ‘repugnant’ but ultimately a matter of free speech. Photograph: Huda Shehzad/JNA/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

Angus Taylor has rejected claims the Coalition’s push to criminalise burning of the Australian flag is an attempt to undercut One Nation, insisting penalties of up to a year in prison are necessary to “stand up for our country”.

The One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, has previously called for criminal penalties for flag burning, with a petition by the party attracting approximately 50,000 signatures last year.

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