AUSTRALIANS should embrace the national flag, according to Barker MP Tony Pasin.
Prompted by Greens leader Adam Bandt removing the national flag from a press conference recently, Mr Pasin said Australians should be proud of the flag as it represents all Australians.
“The Australian national flag represents our identity, our values and beliefs,” Mr Pasin said.
“It is a statement of unity to the rest of the world.”
He said anyone disrespecting the flag are effectively disrespecting Australia.
“It’s the same symbol that Australian Olympic champions drape across their shoulders and in fact it adorns the coffins of Australian diggers, including those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Pasin said.
Drawing a comparison with America, Mr Pasin said Americans are much more passionate about their flag than Australians.
“I’m not a big fan of American culture but one thing Americans get right is their respect for their national symbols,” Mr Pasin said.
“They show incredible respect for their flag and I think this is something we should look to emulate.”
Mr Pasin said, through his office, he has supplied hundreds of flags for schools and non-profit organisations.
He said he is insistent that schools understand protocols and respect the National flag like not flying it at night, in bad weather, and disposing of a flag in a respectful manner when it’s beyond reasonable condition.
“A sense of pride in our nation is reflected in a sense of pride in our flag,” Mr Pasin said.
Mr Pasin said he does not support any changes to the flag.
“Our flag represents our nation and as a conservative I am someone who doesn’t want to mess around with these traditions,” he said.
“From my perspective there are much more important discussions to have than changing our flag.”
Mr Pasin said he understands people who don’t believe the flag represents First Nations people.
“I get and understand [the opposition] but there are more substantial issues to deal with like ensuring young Indigenous Australians are safe and we bring our cultures together,” he said.
“A divisive argument about our flag is only to divide us rather than unite us.”
