PM Transcripts

TEAUSTRALIANFA
The Australian Flag is the symbol of our nation's unity. it
does not need me to remind all Australians that respect for
our Flag should be encouraged.
School. s, of course, play a vital role in bringing knowledge of
the Flag and its correct use to our young people. Some time
ago I met a group of school children who told me that the
Australian Flag was flown at their school on only one day of the
school week. I found this difficult to understand. Why don't
our schools fly our National Flag with pride daily?
This has prompted me to write this week to the Premiers and
the Chief Mliiister of the Northern Territory, asking them to
encourage schools to fly the National Flag every day of the
school year.
Since May 1979 the Fla;, of course, has been available free of
charge not only to schools, but to very many other community
groups. This Commonwealth initiative was designed to foster
respect and familiarity with the symbol of our national unity.
In that time more than 16,500 flags have been distributed through
members of the Federal Parliament.