Coalition denies flag-burning ban an attempt to undercut One Nation as Labor says push has ‘element of desperation’

By Tom McIlroy Political editor · The Guardian World

Policy unveiled on Sunday would create new criminal offences for flag burning and defacing historical monuments, and legislate 26 January as Australia Day Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Angus Taylor has rejected claims the Coalition’s push to criminalise burning of the Australian flag is an attempt to undercut One Nation, insisting penalties of up to a year in prison are necessary to “stand up for our country”. The One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, has previously called for criminal penalties for flag burning, with a petition by the party attracting approximately 50,000 signatures last year. Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...