Maybe the real question is not what’s happening to our country, but what’s happening to our people. The country itself hasn’t changed. We still have a sunburnt land — a country of sweeping plains, rugged mountain ranges, and droughts and flooding rains. I’ve been compelled to write this article because of the scenes we’re witnessing across Australia lately. What follows is something I never imagined I would find myself contemplating.

I have proudly flown the Australian flag on a flagpole in my front yard for nearly forty years. To me, our flag is a symbol of the Australian way of life. Although I don’t necessarily agree with the Union Jack remaining on it, it is still part of our flag — and as such, I have always flown it with pride. People interpret different meanings when someone displays the flag. For me, it has always been a personal symbol — a quiet expression of love for my country, not an act of showy patriotism. Unlike the often over-the-top displays seen from Americans, I never wanted to flaunt it. In fact, my flagpole stands where it can’t easily be seen from the street. It isn’t about showing off — it’s about what the flag means to me personally.

Yet now, I find myself seriously considering taking it down.

What has driven me to this point are the appalling antics of a group claiming to be “Australian patriots.” These people march through our cities draped in our flag, pretending to defend it, while dragging it through the streets. They claim to love Australia, but their actions show only ignorance and disrespect. Their demonstrations — supposedly in opposition to immigration — are nothing more than excuses for aggression and hate.

While I firmly believe in freedom of speech and the right to express opinions, it sickens me to see our flag mistreated by people who are associated with fascism and racism. True Australians don’t need to parade their patriotism by trampling on the very symbol that represents us all.

I don’t care who you are or what cause you claim to support — when you start throwing missiles at our democratically elected leaders, police and fellow citizens, you’ve crossed the line. Ironically, these same people claim to be “fighting for our freedoms.”

Australia is a relatively young nation — not yet 250 years since colonial settlement began. Every one of us, apart from our Indigenous peoples, is either an immigrant or descended from immigrants. We are one of the world’s proudest multicultural societies, representing almost every nation on Earth.

Whatever point these protesters are trying to make is entirely lost on me. There may be a sliver of legitimacy in discussing immigration rates in light of the current housing crisis, but the reality is that 99% of recent immigrants are employed, hardworking, and valuable members of our communities. Many of those marching against immigration are likely living off the same public funds they accuse others of abusing. Their rhetoric against the Indian community — and others — is dishonest and disgraceful. In truth, most immigrants are deeply proud to call Australia home. They study, work hard, pay taxes, and contribute far more than they take — even if their cricket loyalties differ when Australia plays India. 😀

My love for this country has never faded. What truly angers me is seeing our flag’s image tarnished by these people. Every nation faces challenges — economic, social, or political — but these protesters seem oblivious to that fact. Migration has always been part of our national story. My own ancestors fled Germany and Ireland close to two centuries ago to escape persecution and conflict. I’d wager many of these so-called patriots have similar family histories — they just choose to ignore that fact.

So, what’s the answer to this — hopefully temporary — issue? Let’s pause and restore some accountability. For starters, anyone who wears a face covering to a protest should be removed from the discussion immediately. Those who throw rocks, metal, or any kind of missile should face real consequences. Next, name them publicly. If they are so proud to wrap themselves in the flag, let’s see who they really are. If their beliefs are genuine, let them debate openly — calmly and respectfully — instead of hiding behind violence.

I love our country and what the vast majority of Australians believe it stands for. We’ve fought wars under our flag — some later shown to be conflicts we perhaps should never have entered — but regardless, we marched under our flag to defend our convictions and our democracy. I still believe everyone has the right to free speech, even when we disagree with their rhetoric. In fact, I believe those who disrespect our flag and all it represents should still have the right to express their views publicly — but under one condition: I’m happy to attach my name to any statement I make publicly, so why shouldn’t they do the same? Those who loudly proclaim their patriotism while hiding behind anonymity and face masks, venting their racist hatred and disrespectfully draping themselves with our flag, should have the courage to stand behind their words, openly and peacefully. But let’s know, and see who you are.

We live in a democracy. Australia is one of the few nations with compulsory voting — a system some dislike, but one I see as a privilege. Many around the world would give anything for the right to vote. Look at how Americans elect their president: through a non-compulsory, convoluted process that often discourages participation. By contrast, we have a straightforward and fair system that delivers clear results quickly.

I’ve always believed that if you choose not to vote, you lose the right to complain about the outcome. If you can’t be bothered to have your say, then don’t whinge afterward — you had your chance.

And finally, back to the flag. The favourite slogan of these protesters is: “If you don’t like our country, leave.” The irony is rich — because if anyone doesn’t truly like what Australia stands for, it’s them. Perhaps they should be the ones to go find those “greener pastures” they seem to imagine exist elsewhere.