Ciobo heat on Greens

TOURISM Minister Steve Ciobo has accused the Greens of being “ashamed of Australia” and trying to drive a deeper wedge between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

The slapdown came as Greens leader Richard Di Natale yesterday backed in his campaign to change Australia Day by supporting an indigenous Victorian MP who has called for flags at half mast on all government buildings on January 26.

Mr Ciobo took to Facebook to accuse Senator Di Natale of trying to win points with his political followers.

“This virtue-signalling rubbish from the Greens, ashamed as they are of our magnificent country, reinforces to me why we should all celebrate Australia Day,’’ Mr Ciobo said.

“It is the day where we can reflect on what we all aspire for our country; give thanks for those who have fought, and those who died protecting Australia; and realise our history isn’t perfect or faultless, but what ties us together as a nation will prevail over those who seek to exploit the differences of our past.”