General Debate

Australian National Flag

Senate · Wednesday 3 September 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Pauline Hanson moved a motion to suspend standing orders to affirm the right of senators to wear the Australian flag in the chamber, citing its significance on National Flag Day. She argued that the flag is a symbol of national unity and history, not a prop, and expressed frustration that she and another senator had been required to remove it. Katy Gallagher moved that the question be put immediately, bypassing further debate. The motion was defeated by a vote of 22 to 32.

Outcome

The motion was defeated by a division of 22 to 32.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

Hanson argued that the Australian flag is an enduring symbol of the nation's history, values, and unity, distinct from other symbols. Hanson contended that senators should have the right to wear the flag in the chamber, particularly on National Flag Day, to demonstrate pride in the country. Hanson stated that the flag is not a prop and criticized the procedural decision that prevented her and Senator Nampijinpa Price from wearing it. Hanson sought to suspend standing orders to allow immediate consideration of the matter and called for a vote to demonstrate support for wearing the flag.

Votes during this debate

Division 8: Australian National Flag Not passed 22–32