High-profile columnist Peter FitzSimons wants to rip the Union Jack from the Australian flag if the nation becomes a republic.
The former Wallaby and husband of TV host Lisa Wilkinson shared a redesign of the nation's flag featuring the Southern Cross with the Aboriginal flag inset in the corner on Tuesday.
The post on Twitter, with the heavily pixellated design, included the caption: 'This would at least be a step in the right direction.'
The flag sparked debate on social media, with many wanting a new design - but not that one.
Former Wallaby star Peter FitzSimons (pictured with wife Lisa Wilkinson) wants to rip the Union Jack from the Australian flag if the nation becomes a republic - and could replace it with the Aboriginal flag
The writer shared a redesign of the nation's flag featuring the Southern Cross with the Aboriginal flag inset in the corner (pictured)
'Honestly it would feel more than a bit disrespectful to fly the Aboriginal flag to represent our nation as a whole,' said one.
Another added: 'Unfortunately it's hideously ugly. Steak and ice cream.'
One sharp-eyed movie fan pointed out that Sam Neill had worn the same design on his arm in the 1997 movie Event Horizon.
One sharp-eyed movie fan pointed out that Sam Neill had worn the same design on his arm in the 1997 movie Event Horizon
The flag design sparked debate on social media (pictured), with many wanting a new design - but not the one FitzSimons posted
Other tweets mocked the rough and ready style of the design (pictured)
FitzSimons, 60, leads the Australian Republican Movement, which wants to replace the Queen with an Aussie as head of state.
He has now set up a company dedicated to finding a new design for the Australian national flag and also for state and territory emblems.
He is one of the directors of Ausflag, alongside politicians, celebrities, writers and businessmen including Vince Sorrenti, Ray Martin, Philip Adams and Anne Keating.
Their website says they aim to find a flag to 'represent our nation and its people, our past, present and future, our land, our equality and diversity, our achievements, our hopes and aspirations.'
It adds: 'We can do much better. Help us tell out story, not someone else's.'
