Flag is 'reminder to live out democracy', says O'Neill

Senator Deborah O'Neill has presented flags to three school leaders at the Umina campus of Brisbane Water Secondary College.

Senator O'Neill said at the ceremony on August 22 that she was keen to ensure that everyone understood that the nation's flag was a reminder of "our responsibilities as citizens to live out our democratic beliefs".

"Democracy is not a spectator sport," she said.

"It is very important that all members of our community seek ways of being involved in making our nation more democratic and socially just for all.

"It is always good to remind ourselves of the pledge that new citizens make: I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.

"Seeing the flag flying over the Australian Parliament is a reminder to me that I am serving our people and our nation." she said.

Senator O'Neill reminded students that they may have a future Prime Minister, a councillor or a school leader in their ranks and asked them to practice their citizenship by treating every person as an equal, respecting one another and respecting the law.

Media release, 22 Aug 2016

Rhys Zorro, Office of Deborah O'Neill