http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/stor...5007132,00.html(for our American friends, the Big Day Out is Australia's premier music festival - like a mini Roskilde)
Despite the Big Day Out organisers stating that there is no ban on the Australian flag at the Sydney Big Day Out, media outlets are crying foul over the "attack on our national symbol". The article i linked to even stated that BDO Organisers said that it was a "request" to not bring flags and that it was "not a ban", but the Daily Telegraph still maintained that it was a ban only a few paragraphs later. The story has since changed and been edited, but they maintain the word "ban"
Of course, the country's patriotic are up in arms and calling this political correctness gone too far, despite the fact that the request wasn't raised for fear of offending someone... but for fear that the flag would be used as a front for aggression and intimidation (people who attended the Big Day Out last year apparently were treated to requests like "Kiss the flag and pledge allegiance to Australia... or I'll punch you"). Heaven forbid the organisers actually try to maintain their Duty of Care to their patrons...
Reports about a "ban" surfaced as a result of spin and sensationalism in our media. No BDO statement was actually issued that even mentioned the word "ban", but the media have since made conclusions without facts, people are angry at the alleged "attack", and... well... the BDO is going to be a sea of blue, red and white, regardless of any requests to not bring flags (not that there's anything wrong with that... aussies just hate being told what to do and will do the opposite).
In summary... i think the media (particularly News Corp) is responsible for this mess, and should issue a retraction and offer an apology to BDO organisers and their readership.