26 August

“Of course we can become a republic without changing our flag” declared Senator Natasha Stott Despoja in Canberra. “I’m unashamed. I’d like to see a new flag. I’ve always wanted a flag that reflects our aspirations for the future, that recognises meaningful reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, celebrates the beauty of this nation and the fact that we’re part of the Commonwealth but not beholden to a foreign power. The flag is a secondary issue but one that I look forward to debating after we become a republic.” Reported in The Australian.