Monday night’s episode of The Project led to a heated debate around the controversial subject of changing the Australian flag.

Following a tense discussion on NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s $25 million decision to permanently erect the Indigenous flag on Sydney Harbour Bridge, host Hamish Macdonald asked the panel if they think Australians are “moving to a point” where they will adopt a new national flag.

Journalist Steve Price responded with a firm “no”.

When asked why, Price said, “Australians support the flag they’ve got”.

“We don’t need to change the flag. Who wants to change the flag?,” Price said.

Comedian and host Peter Helliar tried offering a differing opinion, “I think over time–”

“We only have one flag – that’s the Australian flag,” Price interjected. “If you want to have a referendum on the flag, good luck buddy.”

Carrie Bickmore joined the debate, saying: “I think as generations go on that will change.”

“No, it won’t,” Price stonewalled.

Helliar joked that Price would likely not be alive to see the change, saying: “It may not be an issue for you, Pricey. I mean who knows when it could happen? It could happen 10 years, 20 years, 30 years.”

“You’d like to get rid of the Australian flag, would you?” an agitated Price challenged.

“I’m happy to have a conversation about it, absolutely,” Helliar said.

“Well it would need a referendum, and it won’t get up,” Price said.

“Does it need … that?” Macdonald asked.

“Yes. Of course, it does!” Price seethed. “You don’t just chuck the flag out because a few people want it to be.”

Many Australians took to Twitter to weigh in on the debate.

Flags have been a contentious subject this year, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ensuring the Torres Strait and Aboriginal flags were flying alongside the Australian flag as he gave his first media conference as PM, and Greens Leader Adam Bandt refusing to speak in front of the Australian flag.