Opposition Leader Criticised for Single Flag Stance, Accused of Causing ‘Division’

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to stand only before one flag during official press conferences if he is elected as leader.

The Australia National Flag, The Aboriginal Flag, and The Torres Strait Islander Flag are seen inside the stadium prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Sydney Football Stadium in Australia, on July 25, 2023. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused the opposition leader of “always looking for division” after Peter Dutton said that if he is elected, he would hold press conferences with only one flag, instead of the current three.

Dutton made the comments on Sky News, saying it was divisive for the nation’s leader to stand before the national, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags during official events.

The opposition’s position has roused myriad opinions overnight.

Current Prime Minister Albanese said it was a matter of respect.

“Again, always looking for division, always looking for culture difference,” he told ABC Radio National on Dec. 11.

“It costs nothing to show respect, and the flags were designated, of course, back in 1995 and I think that, it’s up to Mr. Dutton to explain why he has chosen to attempt to make this an issue.”

Rights Advocate Calls the Move ‘Disappointing’

Human rights advocate Pat Anderson issued a statement overnight explaining that the three flags were all official flags of the nation.

“Dutton may choose to create his own false narrative, but these are the indisputable facts,” she said.

“The Morrison government paid more than $20 million (US$12.7 million) to obtain the copyright of the Aboriginal flag in 2022.

“The then-minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt of the LNP, said: ‘Now that the Commonwealth holds the copyright, it belongs to everyone, and no one can take it away.’”

Anderson said flying the three flags was a recognition of unity.

“It’s deeply disappointing and disturbing that some people have extended the ‘no’ to all things recognising, and more importantly celebrating, First Nations peoples, histories and cultures,” she said.

Indigenous Figures Who Back the Stance

Shadow Indigenous Minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said she agreed with the Dutton’s stance.

The Indigenous MP remarked that she and Dutton had both stood before the one flag to speak in the wake of the failed Voice referendum to alter the Australian Constitution.

“We stood in front of just the Australian flag because after that result particularly, it was evident to us that the Australian people want a united Australia where we are all represented by one flag,” she told Sky News on the night of Dec. 10.

“And we have to remember there were those that gave their lives for our freedoms in this country and did so united as one people of various different backgrounds, including Indigenous under the Australian flag.”

Indigenous researcher Anthony Dillon took to social media to comment on the issue, saying there was no disrespect from Dutton.

“I personally don’t care how many flags are on the stage where I sit/stand,” he said.

“However, to harshly criticise Dutton for his choice here, is ridiculous.

“He did say, ‘We’re a country united under one flag.’ That’s not disrespectful.”