LIBERALS TO PROTECT OUR NATIONAL DAY, OUR NATIONAL FLAG, AND OUR WAR MEMORIALS

LIBERALS TO PROTECT OUR NATIONAL DAY, OUR NATIONAL FLAG, AND OUR WAR MEMORIALS

The Liberal and National Parties have announced a plan to protect local war memorials, Australia day and the Australian flag from those who seek to diminish or destroy them.

In recent months, Australians have seen war memorials vandalised, anti-Australian slogans sprayed across commemorative sites and the Australian flag burned at protests.

Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, said Australians should be able to take pride in their country and its history.

“I’m proud to call Australia home, and I know so many people across Barker are too,” Mr Pasin said.

“That means standing up for our national day, our flag and the memorials that honour Australians who served and sacrificed for our country.”

The Liberal Party will:

• Introduce serious penalties for deliberately damaging war memorials and other significant national monuments.
• Protect Australia Day on 26 January, with any future change requiring the approval of Australians through a national plebiscite.
• Create a criminal offence for serious public desecration of the Australian flag, especially where it will incite hatred or violence.

Mr Pasin said protecting these symbols was about protecting the values and history they represent.

“If we don’t stand up for the things that bring Australians together, we risk losing them.”

“War memorials in towns in every corner of Barker carry the names of people from communities like ours who left their families to serve Australia. They deserve our protection.”

This measure forms part of the Liberal’s plan to fix the economy and protect our way of life.

“Our plan is focused on four immediate priorities. Lower taxes, cheaper power, less migration and more homes, while putting Australians first.” Mr Pasin said.

“We believe Australia is worth fighting for. That’s exactly what we’ll do.”