MEDIA RELEASE
21 July 2026
THOMPSON STANDS UP FOR THE AUSTRALIAN FLAG
Federal Member for Herbert and Army veteran Phillip Thompson OAM MP has condemned calls from a powerful union to remove the Union Jack from the Australian Flag, describing the proposal as divisive, out of touch and an insult to generations of Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force under the flag. Recent reports state that the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is urging Labor to remove the Union Jack from the Australian Flag, claiming it is a “symbol of oppression”.
Mr Thompson said the Australian Flag represents the sacrifices, service and shared identity of Australians from all walks of life.
“For generations, Australians have marched behind our flag, fought under it, and draped it over the coffins of our fallen heroes,” Mr Thompson said.
“As an Army veteran, I know what that flag means to the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. It represents courage, sacrifice, mateship and freedom.
“The Australian Flag belongs to every Australian. It doesn’t belong to unions, activists or politicians looking to divide our country.”
Mr Thompson said veterans in particular would be deeply disappointed by attempts to re-write Australia’s history and diminish the significance of national symbols.
“Thousands of Australians have given everything in service to our nation under this flag. Many never came home. To suggest the flag should be changed because a union doesn’t like part of its design is disrespectful to the legacy of those Australians.”
Mr Thompson said the proposal also demonstrated how disconnected Labor’s union movement had become from the everyday concerns of Australians.
“Australians are worried about paying their mortgage, their electricity bill and putting food on the table.
“Yet Labor’s union backers want to spend their time arguing about changing the Australian Flag.
“It tells you everything you need to know about their priorities.”
Mr Thompson said Australia’s history should be acknowledged honestly, but national unity should never be sacrificed to satisfy ideological campaigns.
“Our flag tells the story of Australia’s journey. The Australian flag is more than just fabric, it is the glue that brings us all together, as Australians.
Mr Thompson called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to immediately rule out any change to the Australian Flag and reject the demands being pushed by Labor-aligned unions.
“The Prime Minister should make it crystal clear today that Australia’s Flag is not up for negotiation.
“I’ll always stand up for the Australian Flag, just as I’ll always stand up for the veterans and Australians who have proudly served beneath it.”
ENDS