Powerful union calls for Union Jack to be stripped from Australian flag 

One of Australia’s largest trade unions has called for the Union Jack to be removed from the Australian flag, arguing it is one of several colonial symbols that should no longer be used.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) outlined the proposal in its “blueprint for action” released ahead of Labor’s national conference in Adelaide this week.

The union called for the removal of what it labelled “symbols of oppression”, to advance solidarity with Indigenous Australians.

“We need to strip away the constant reminders of the old ruling class and colonial empire,” the document said.

“Symbols of oppression, like the Union Jack on our flag and offensive colonial statues, must be removed from public life.”

The union also argued against public celebrations of symbols it said were linked to the dispossession of Indigenous Australians.

While acknowledging that “working class people today did not commit these colonial crimes”, the AMWU said Australians had inherited the system that resulted from them.

“A system that favours the rich and powerful. We therefore inherit the obligation to fix its biggest wrongs,” the document said.

Beyond the flag proposal, the union called for a range of economic reforms, including higher top marginal tax rates, wealth and inheritance taxes, universally free essential services and increased revenue from gas companies.

It also said the additional revenue could be used to increase the JobSeeker payment.

Several senior Labor figures, including Innovation Minister Tim Ayres and NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister, are affiliated with the AMWU.

Labor’s national conference begins on Thursday and is expected to attract more than 2,000 MPs, party officials, affiliated unions and members to debate policy and set the party’s future direction.

Unlike previous conferences, which were marked by internal debates over issues including nuclear submarines and asylum seeker policy, the government is expecting a more unified gathering.

Assistant Digital Economy Minister Andrew Charlton said the Labor party was entering the conference in a strong position.

“I think we have a great Labor team,” he told Sky News Sunday Agenda.

“I’ve never seen the Labor Party more united or more capable than it is today, and that is a good thing for our government and a good thing for our country.”

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