No one should disrespect our flag, especially if that person is a federal member of parliament.
In my opinion, the recent decision of Greens leader Adam Bandt to remove the Australian flag from a media appearance was a shameful act.
Mr Bandt refused to hold his press conference with our national flag behind him, stating it was a ‘hurtful’ symbol of Australia’s past.
By doing this he has not only disrespected our flag, but all Australians, including those who have served and died under it.
It is also the flag that every person who has come and live in this country has chosen to stand under, for those migrants, many of whom have fled war, poverty or hardship for a better life, the Australian flag is a symbol of freedom and opportunity.
If you did not know, every federal politician and their staff work underneath the Australian flag every day when we are at Canberra’s Parliament House. That flag is flown seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
The Australian flag that flies over our parliament is an enormous 12.8 metres long and 6.4 metres high, about the same size as the side of a double-decker bus and weighs 22 kilograms.
The flag mast is one of the largest stainless steel structures in the world. Constructed from polished Newcastle steel, it is 81 metres tall and weighs 220 tonnes.
The apex of the flag mast is above the exact centre of Parliament House and marks the intersection between the House of Representatives and Senate chambers.
This intersection symbolises how the elements of Australian democracy – the people, the parliament and the government – are all brought together under one flag.
That is why it is important that all Australians, especially those who have been elected to represent the people, must show respect for our flag and all that it represents.
If you live in my electorate of Forde and would like an Australian flag to fly at your home or business they can be requested by contacting my office, phone 3807 6340, or email bert.vanmanen.mp@aph.gov.au.
