Summary

Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton stated he would not stand beside Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags at press events if elected prime minister, arguing for unity under a single national flag.

Dutton called the use of multiple flags “confusing” and divisive.

Indigenous leaders and critics, including Mick Gooda and Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, condemned the stance as divisive and dismissive of Indigenous cultures, which are represented by official Australian flags.

This follows Dutton’s history of opposing symbolic Indigenous measures, including the Voice to Parliament referendum.