Question Time AU

Bill

Flags Amendment (Protection of Australian National Flags) Bill 2026

Debated Monday 9 February 2026

Debate items
1
Chambers
House of Representatives
Votes
0

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

  1. Monday 9 February 2026 · House of Representatives

    Second Reading

    Pat Conaghan moved the second reading of his private members' bill to make it a crime to burn or desecrate the Australian flag and red ensign. He argued that such acts are provocative rather than persuasive and damage social cohesion, proposing penalties including fines, imprisonment, and visa cancellation for non-citizens. Conaghan linked the rise in flag desecration to events following October 2023 and emphasised the flag's significance to veterans and sporting heroes. The debate concluded with the motion for second reading being moved.

    Outcome: The motion for the second reading of the bill was moved by Pat Conaghan.

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