Senator Price Calls for Ban on Flag Burning, Removes Flag in Senate Dispute

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has called for legislation to make burning the Australian flag illegal, describing the act as a profound disrespect to the nation and a betrayal of the soldiers who fought under it. On National Flag Day, she draped herself in the Australian flag during her Senate speech to emphasize its significance, but was interrupted by Greens Senator Nick McKim, who challenged her action by stating his intention to wrap himself in a Palestinian flag. The Senate Speaker ruled that Price must remove the flag to avoid setting a precedent against the chamber's rules on props, leading to a sharp exchange between Price and McKim, with Price criticizing the Greens for their stance. Price highlighted the flag as a symbol of national unity despite acknowledging Australia's troubled history and condemned recent protests where the flag was burned alongside divisive slogans and symbols. She expressed frustration that flag burning is not currently a criminal offense and urged the Albanese government to act on this issue. The debate reflects broader tensions over national identity, respect for symbols, and political expression in Australia.