As the sun sets on Australia Day 2026, a growing number of Australians are expressing deep concern over the visible erosion of national identity and the rise of what can only be described as “anti-Australianism". One Nation Victoria recognises that for the "Quiet Australians," the sights and sounds of the past week have been a distressing reminder that the symbols and values that once united the country are under sustained attack.

The party maintains that a nation is only as strong as the foundations upon which it is built. When those foundations—our history, our monuments, and our national symbols—are treated with contempt, the social fabric begins to unravel. It is for this reason that One Nation is advocating for a rational, firm, and common-sense return to national respect and the protection of the Australian identity.

The events leading into this year’s national day have been a wake-up call for the community. In Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens, historic monuments were not merely vandalised; they were systematically destroyed and others defaced with foreign political symbols. One Nation views this not as a legitimate form of protest, but as cultural vandalism designed to erase the history that built this state.

This destruction, paired with the increasingly hostile rhetoric of "Invasion Day" protests, points to a broader trend of anti-Australian sentiment. Even in moments of profound national tragedy, such as the horrific Bondi massacre, the need for a unified national spirit becomes evident. During times of grief, Australians instinctively reach for the symbols that bind them together. However, while the public seeks solidarity, the political establishment continues to permit the denigration of the very symbols that provide that comfort.

The Australian National Flag is the ultimate symbol of the nation’s unity, sovereignty, and shared sacrifice. It is the banner that has draped the coffins of the fallen for over a century and represents the "Fair Go" that has attracted millions from across the globe to contribute to the Australian story.

One Nation argues that the deliberate burning or desecration of the Australian flag is not an act of "freedom of speech," but an act of social hostility. In a civilised society, there are boundaries designed to maintain order and mutual respect. Just as laws exist to prevent hate speech and public disorder, the party believes the law should protect the sacred symbol of the Australian people.

Furthermore, One Nation holds a firm policy regarding the responsibilities of those who choose to live in this country. The party’s stance is clear: any individual who is not an Australian citizen
and chooses to burn or desecrate the Australian flag should face immediate deportation.

Residency and the pathway to citizenship are privileges, not rights. If a guest in this country holds the national symbol in such contempt that they seek to incinerate it, they have demonstrated a fundamental rejection of Australian values and should no longer be entitled to the benefits of our society.

One Nation contends that the rise in anti-Australian sentiment is the direct result of a "long march" through educational institutions. For decades, the curriculum has shifted away from fostering
national pride, opting instead for a focus on historical guilt and identity politics.

The party is calling for a total return to patriotic views in Australian schools. One Nation believes the primary role of a national education system should be to prepare young citizens to contribute to a successful, united country. This requires a curriculum that celebrates Australian achievements— our pioneering spirit, our democratic innovations, and our unique cultural heritage. By teaching the next generation to value their country, the education system can foster the "social glue" necessary to bind a diverse population together.

To move forward as a nation, One Nation Victoria believes the country must stop the rot of division and return to the principles of mutual respect and shared identity. Unity is not achieved through endless apologies or the destruction of monuments; it is achieved by standing firm in defence of the values that made Australia the envy of the world.

The party remains committed to protecting the Australian flag, securing our historic monuments from the mob, and ensuring that our schools are places of inspiration and national pride. By defending the symbols of our past today, One Nation seeks to ensure a strong, proud, and united Australia for the generations of tomorrow.