Do we need a new Australian flag?

AAP

Poll

Should we change the Australian flag?

This poll ended on 31 July 2010.

Yes

34%

No

65%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

FORMER television journalist Ray Martin is leading a new push to replace the Australian flag on the eve of the country's national day.

With national leaders and ordinary Australians preparing to celebrate Australia Day on Tuesday, Martin has criticised the flag amid confirmation from Labor sources that a referendum on the republic debate will be called if Labor wins the federal election this year.

"I object to having the British flag in the corner of our flag," Martin told the Herald Sun newspaper.

"We have well and truly reached the point where we should have our own flag. I think we have to grow up and move on to the next stage."

Martin is a board member of Ausflag, an apolitical group established in 1981 to agitate for the replacement of the flag with a new design.

"I am going to add my name and voice to those who are talking the issue up and try to bring about a change," Martin said.

However, Victorian Premier John Brumby said the present flag was a symbol of resolve in bushfire-ravaged regions of Victoria.

"As is the case with many Australians, my father and grandfather served our armed forces under our flag," he said.

"I remember seeing so many Australian flags in front yards in bushfire communities; it signified resilience and defiance and gave people solace."

A Galaxy poll commissioned by News Limited has found 44 per cent of Australians are in favour of becoming a republic, with 27 per cent against.

But the same poll shows 27 per cent of people want to remove the Union Jack from the flag, while 45 per cent want to retain the present flag.

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