Free speech fears over flag burning bill

Parliament's human rights committee has raised concerns about National MP George Christensen's bill to criminalise flag burning.

A parliamentary committee on human rights has questioned conservative MP George Christensen's plan to ban burning of the Australian flag.

The committee wants more information about the private bill, concerned it could impinge on a person's right to freedom of opinion and expression.

It recognises that many Australians may find the burning of the flag "repugnant" but is concerned the new criminal offence is "excessively broad".