Bill
Criminal Code Amendment (Flag Protection) Bill 2026
lapsed, as at 2026-09-08.
- Sponsor
- Rebekha Sharkie
- Portfolio
- Not recorded
Recorded stages
- introduced — 2026-02-09
- second reading — 2026-02-09
- other — 2026-09-08
Divisions
No divisions recorded. Most questions are decided on the voices; this does not establish that a bill was unopposed.
Plain-language summary
Written by a model from the explanatory memorandum; not the record, as at 2026-02-09.
The bill would make it a criminal offence to burn or desecrate the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
It would amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 to create the offence for intentional or reckless acts, with exceptions for artistic or educational representations, lawful disposal and incidental damage.
The maximum penalty would be two years imprisonment, with a minimum of 12 months for a second or subsequent offence.
- Creates a criminal offence for burning or desecrating the three flags.
- Sets a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a minimum of 12 months for repeat offences.
- Exempts artistic or educational representations, lawful disposal and incidental damage.
Anyone who intentionally or recklessly burns or desecrates the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
Sources
em
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