Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr challenged the Albanese government on air over a proposal to remove the Union Jack from the Australian national flag, pressing ministers for a clear position on the idea. The push, reportedly linked to the manufacturing union the AMWU, has reignited a long-running debate in Australia about whether the flag's colonial-era imagery should be replaced with a design that reflects the country's independent identity.

Details of the exact proposal and the government's response were not fully set out, though the exchange reportedly touched on claims the current flag represents "oppression" and featured comment from Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie. The flag debate is a recurring flashpoint in Australian politics, with previous attempts at change, including a 1999-era design competition, having failed to gain lasting traction.