Liberals deny mooted flag-burning ban a One Nation ploy

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor denied the suggested flag-burning ban was a calculated move to counter the rise of the right-wing One Nation party. Taylor's policy proposal would criminalise the burning of the Australian flag, as well as the public desecration of war memorials, with penalties including up to 12 months imprisonment.

Currently, criminal offences for such acts vary across state and territory laws. The policy also enshrines January 26 as Australia's national day, with changes requiring a plebiscite. This is the eighth federal attempt in Australia's history to criminalise flag-burning, all of which have failed. Taylor insisted the measure is necessary to protect Australia's way of life and re-establish trust with the public.

However, Labor's Matt Thistlethwaite called the plan alarmist and a desperate attempt to attract votes from One Nation, suggesting it would restrict freedom of speech. The Liberals and Nationals have been losing ground to One Nation since their 2025 election loss, with One Nation's primary vote at 30%, ahead of Labor's 29% and the coalition's 19%.