Labor Wants You to Be Ashamed of Our Australian Flag
I want to start by expressing my regret over the remarks made by Senator Dolega, which included offensive imputations directed at coalition senators and members. According to Labor, it now seems to be an offence to drape oneself in the Australian flag and take pride in it.
I accept the interjection from Senator Dolega and quote her exactly: she criticised some of us for having the audacity to drape the Australian flag around ourselves, to be proud of our country.
How dare you suggest that is dog whistling!
Through you, Chair, I ask how Senator Dolega can imply that expressing pride in our country and flag is dog whistling. So many people want to move here because we are a great nation with one of the most successful migration histories globally.
We are a proud migrant and multicultural nation, encompassing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have lived here for thousands of years, those who settled decades ago, and recent arrivals.
Our multicultural success is notable and a core part of Australia's identity.
Author's summary: The speaker strongly defends pride in the Australian flag and country, rejecting accusations that this pride is offensive or exclusive, emphasizing Australia's rich multicultural heritage.