A renter has sparked an online debate after claiming she was asked to remove an Australian flag from her home before a routine property inspection.
Bree O’Brien shared the experience on social media, saying she was left shocked when a real estate agent arrived at the property and immediately raised concerns about the flag displayed near the front door.
“Since when has it become illegal to have an Australian flag up in Australia?” she said.
“This morning we had a routine house inspection.
“And the first thing the real estate agent said when she got to the front door is ‘I’m going to have to take this Australian flag down before I can start the inspection.'”
Although surprised by the request, O’Brien said she did not argue and allowed the flag to be removed.
“I just looked at her and said, ‘What? Okay, sure. Whatever.'”
According to O’Brien, the agent told her the request had come from the property owner rather than from the agency itself.
“She obviously proceeded to tell me that she doesn’t have an issue with it – it’s whatever,” the woman said.
“But the owner believes that by having it up, our house might become a target.”
The renter questioned whether the same concerns would have been raised if a different flag had been displayed.
She then asked followers when it had become controversial to display the national flag.
“Like, I would just love to know – can someone please tell me – since when has it been that you’re not allowed to be proud to be Australian and live in such a beautiful country?” she asked.
“I just don’t understand how that is not allowed, and that automatically means that we’ve got a target on our backs.”
“But that if we had another flag up, we would be cheered and ‘oh my goodness, it’s so good you guys are doing that.'”
“Please, can someone tell me?”
The video quickly attracted thousands of views and prompted a flood of responses.
“Why would it be illegal to have the country’s flag on a house?” one commenter asked.
“I’ve seen plenty of houses with Australian flags here in Western Australia.”
O’Brien replied that several homes in her neighbourhood also displayed Australian flags.
“Yep, there are heaps up in our street too. Have had it up for months with no targeting,” she wrote.
Another commenter said: “Wow! I’d be interested in why they said you couldn’t have it up as well.”
A third added: “They have no right to ask you to take it down. At all.”
Others expressed stronger views.
“Disgusting!!! I wouldn’t have taken it down!!! Change houses if need be we are in a beautiful country and be proud. If we cannot express ourselves freedom of speech then they have the problem,” one person wrote.
Another said: “This is so disappointing. Our neighbour has a memorial for veterans with an Australian flag flying on his front lawn. You should not be a target to have pride in our nation.”
However, not everyone agreed. Some commenters suggested reactions to flags can vary depending on where people live.
“Guess it depends on where you live. In Cronulla and surrounding areas I was not allowed to put my flag up of ethnic origin growing up. Only the Australian flag allowed,” one user wrote.
“It’s not you property you’re just renting it. They have every right to ask you to take it down,” another commented.
Legally, Australians are generally permitted to display the national flag at rental properties.
However, restrictions can apply where lease agreements, strata by-laws or building rules limit what can be attached to balconies, walls or other parts of a property. Landlords may also prohibit alterations that could damage the building, such as installing flagpoles or drilling into exterior surfaces.
Government guidelines also state the flag should be maintained in good condition and not touch the ground.
Images: Instagram
