The Polar Challenge
Following our recent phone conversation herewith a statement as requested The most significant highlight of my 28 day trek to the Magnetic North Pole was the opportunity of flying the same Australian National Flag that my hero Sir Douglas Mawson used in Antarctica.
Our flag of stars and crosses is Australia’s chief national symbol and of great sentimental value to me. To have had the unique honour of using the original Australian Flag that Sir Douglas Mawson claimed the Australian Antarctic territory with was one of the greatest moments of my life.
Yours sincerely
Peter Bland
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Leader of the Opposition
Dear Mr Gibson,
Thank you for your letter of February 27 1998. I am delighted to let you know that I still hold the view that the Australian Flag is ‘the most beautiful flag in the world.’
As such a powerful symbol of the nation, it is important that a flag be truly representative of the people. The Opposition strongly believes that our flag should never be changed without the consent of a majority of Australians.
I and all members of the Parliamentary Labour Party will always respect and defend the current Australian flag, or, if a plebiscite determines that the majority of Australians want an alternative flag, any replacement chosen by the Australian people.
Thank you for your letter and for taking the time to write to me.
Yours sincerely
Kim C Beazley MP
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