What’s the one symbol for mateship, freedom, and a fair go for all?
The Australian flag.
Our flag represents a story of service, sacrifice, and the freedoms we share.
It’s an expression of our identity and pride. This week I’ve joined my Parliamentary colleagues to launch the ‘Proud of our Flag’ campaign in the lead up to Australia Day.
While I enter 2026 filled with hope and enthusiasm for Hinkler and our great nation, there is an overwhelming sense of unrest.
In the wake of the Bondi terror attack, the Prime Minister has recalled Federal Parliament, a move that the Coalition has been calling for continuously since this atrocity took place.
MP’s will return to Canberra on Monday to consider hate speech and gun laws.
The Coalition has expressed concerns that both matters are wrapped into the same bill.
As an Opposition, we were not provided with the legislation prior to the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday but as I write this column, we are carefully reviewing the detail in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including the Jewish community, and national security experts.
The Coalition has been very clear. Our message to those who preach hatred, preach radical Islam, glorify terrorism or incite violence is very clear – if you are not an Australian citizen, you will be deported. If you are an Australian citizen, you will be arrested.
That is some of what we are seeking to achieve when Parliament resumes.
This legislation must be about eradicating antisemitism and removing radical Islam.
It’s not about anything else.
Ahead of Australia Day, this is a time we must unite as a nation.
If you want to show your support for our flag and register for a free ‘Proud of our flag’ sticker please visit my website or drop into my office in Woongarra Street, Bundaberg.
I conclude this column to share my heartfelt respect and share sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Honourable Ron Boswell AO who passed away on January 6. A State Funeral will be held today (Friday January 16) in Brisbane to remember an absolute champion of Australian politics and a stalwart of the National Party. Ron was a one-of-a-kind politician who achieved great things for regional Australia as a Queensland Senator from 1983 to 2014. Vale Ron, he was 85.
Published column in Bundaberg Today on January 16, 2026