Opened the debate
Sharkie moved the second reading of the bill, which proposes making it a criminal offence to deliberately or recklessly desecrate or burn the three national flags. Sharkie noted that penalties would include up to two years imprisonment for a first offence and a minimum of one year for subsequent offences. Sharkie argued that many other nations, including France, Germany, and New Zealand, already prohibit such acts. Sharkie stated that the bill excludes accidental damage, respectful private destruction of dilapidated flags, or depictions in media. Sharkie claimed that recent surveys indicated seventy per cent of Australians support making flag burning an offence. Sharkie asserted that the legislation would draw a line against hatred and promote respect for the history and communities represented by the flags.