The proposal is part of a broader Australian National Symbols and Heritage Protection Bill, which also toughens penalties for damaging war memorials and requires a plebiscite for any changes to Australia Day on January 26.
Taylor argues flag burning crosses a line beyond free speech, citing incidents like a Brisbane Invasion Day protest and Melbourne monument vandalism.
Supporters see it as protecting core national symbols, while critics like Independent MP Monique Ryan call it a distracting culture-war tactic, and Labor notes existing laws already handle threats to public order.
Public views are split, with some dismissing it as overkill for rare acts amid Australia’s 26 million people.
