Flagging a change
Flagging a change
January 28, 2010
Section: Opinion
WHEN I was in primary school, hoisting the Australian flag each day was one of the most important gigs you could get; that and ringing the school bell.
We were taught pride in the flag and the anthem.
Somewhere along the way the flag has, in some circles been hijacked by people who use it as a cloak of racism and misplaced patriotism.
My one time-favourite Australian symbol, the southern cross is emblazoned in ink on chests and on the rear windows of cars alongside stickers for booze.
This week journalist Ray Martin renewed calls for a new Australian flag and as the Labor Party confirmed a referendum on the republic debate, if the party wins the federal election, that call could become louder.
I’m not convinced we’re ready for another referendum on the republic and the decision to change the flag should not be taken lightly but another critical factor is that flag means little to the first Australians.
And neither does Australia Day.
If the Prime Minister is fair dinkum about reconciliation and a cohesive Australia for the melting pot we now are, then the issue of our national symbol and national day need to be revisited.
kclark@laketimes.com.au
Comment count: 1
It's also disappointing to learn, that there was no real interest from the RSL on Australia Day. It would appear, that Australia Day has no linkage to ANZAC Day, or our military heritage, due to the lack of interest in raising the Australian National Flag at RSL Memorial sites.