The Returned & Services League of Australia ‘s (RSL) has condemned the move by Greens’
Leader Adam Bandt and other Green MPs to remove the Australian flag from media conferences
and other events.
The RSL says the Greens’ action is disrespectful to Australia’s service personnel, its veterans and
to the entire community.
RSL Australia president Greg Melick said while the RSL was reluctant to engage in political controversy, the issue of the flag should be important to each and every Australian and its misuse was unacceptable.
He said while some may regard the actions of Mr Bandt as little more than a political stunt, it was particularly hurtful to the thousands of Australian men and women who had served or who are still serving under that very flag, as well as to the families of those who had sacrificed their lives in the service of our country.
“The RSL condemns the actions of Mr Bandt in the strongest possible terms.
“Australians have served under our national flag, irrespective of their race, religion or political
views and it and all our present and past service personnel deserve the highest respect.
“Mr Bandt’s move was disrespectful to all these people and the RSL rejects it as unfitting of a
member of our national parliament,” Greg Melick said.
