Greens leader Adam Bandt’s “trick” of the Australian flag has been described as “a sign of virtue” and “highly insulting” this morning. During a press conference yesterday, Bandt refused to stand in front of the national emblem, arguing that the symbol is detrimental to early peoples.
“For many Australians, this flag represents the dispossession and persistent pains of colonization,” he said, calling for a new flag.
The Australian flag was flown sideways, with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait flags in front and in the center. (Supplied) Adam Bandt has been against the Australian flag for years, saying it evokes racism. (Supplied)
Jim Wilson of 2GB said the move was offensive.
“It’s (a stunt). His ego is out of control,” the radio presenter told Today.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“Yesterday we had a Royal Commission on the Suicide of Veterans in Townsville: men and women who fought under the Australian flag. On the same day, you have this peanut that goes on and takes out the Australian flag.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“Hold all three flags, but don’t take out the national flag.”
Bill Shorten is against the move, saying it encourages division. (Today)
Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said the measure only encourages division.
“Tracks like this, this virtue that says, ‘I love First Nations people more than anyone else,’ is like the crunch of Australian politics,” he said.
“Shut down more people than not.
Retrospective photos of federal politicians
“It’s counterproductive to the cause. In the end, Australians want us to try to work together.”