Maranoa MP believes in the price of patriotism
MEMBER for Maranoa Bruce Scott racked up $8548 on flags in six months, but he said it showed how patriotic his electorate was.
The funds were outlined in Mr Scott's parliamentary expenditure report from the six months between July 1 and December 31, 2014.
Under the Constituents' Request Program community groups, churches, councils and schools can request an Australian flag from their local member.
Mr Scott said the hefty price tag was in part to do with the centenary of Anzac.
"We have already had a big demand for flags," Mr Scott said.
"I think the greater awareness and Australians wanting to be associated with the Centenary of Anzac has ignited a patriotic movement by Australians young and old."
He said many of the flags funded by his office would be flying at RSL clubs "from Longreach to Winton".
He also had 171 schools within his electorate, compared to smaller numbers in many urban electorates.
Flags could also be requested by the family of war veterans to be used at their funerals.
"I think it's a very fitting way to honour those veterans," he said.
"I don't think there would be too many taxpayers in Australia who would see it as excessive."
