Hannah Phillips
National Flag Day a Time to Be Proud
Member for Barker Tony Pasin believes National Flag Day is a time to be proud as an Australian, he shares his views below.

"This Sunday is Australian National Flag Day and is an opportunity for all Australian’s to celebrate with pride the anniversary of the Australian National Flag and all that it represents.
Australian National Flag Day celebrates the first time the flag was flown on 3 September 1901 from the main dome of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, then the home of our Commonwealth Parliament.
Since that first day flying the Australian Flag has been a way of exhibiting pride in our nation, respect for our heritage and acknowledgement of our history.
We recognise that the history of European settlement in Australia has been complex and not without its challenges.
But our national symbols also recognise the greatness of our achievement as Australians and the remarkable nation we have become.
Australian National Flag Day, on 3 September, is an occasion on which to reflect on this national symbol and the values it represents. Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, Parliamentary democracy, equality of opportunity regardless of gender, race, religion or ethnic background.
These are the values our Flag represents. These are the values I serve to uphold.
I urge all Australians to be proud of these values, and proud of our Flag."
Tony Pasin MP
Member for Barker