The Australian flag is one of the country's most recognisable symbols. It's often flown at sporting events, on government buildings, and at commemorations across the nation. Like all flags, its history and meaning are fascinating and raise questions about identity. Let's look at how the national flag of Australia was created, what it represents, and why it sparks conversation in the 21st century.
The Origins of the National Flag of Australia
The story of the Australian national flag takes us back to 1901. Shortly after Federation united six colonies into a single Commonwealth, the government announced a competition to design a new flag. The contest was hugely popular, with tens of thousands of entries submitted by Australians of all ages and backgrounds.
were submitted to design a new flag.
The winning design was revealed on 3 September 1901. Five separate entries, which were all fairly similar, were in the running for the win. The design included the Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom) in the top-left corner, a large seven-pointed Commonwealth Star (then six-pointed), and the Southern Cross on the fly. The design was sent to London for royal approval. King Edward VII recognised it in 1903.
If you know your Australian flag history, you'll know that the original design was changed. The six-point star, which represented the six states, was changed to seven to acknowledge the territories as part of the federation. This version of the flag has remained the same for over a century. Now, 3 September, the day the flag was first flown, is Australian National Flag Day.
Design and Symbolism of the Australian Flag
The meaning of the Australian flag balances the inherited symbols of identity and Australia's uniquely southern identity. Every element in the flag has a distinct history and symbolism, and together, they make up the flag that has represented Australia since the early 20th century. Let's explore each of the elements used in the flag.
Key Flag Terminology
Union Jack (Canton)
In the top-left corner of the flag is the Union Jack (technically the Union Flag). This acknowledges Australia's historical ties to Britain. Including this was common at the time, and many dominions of the British Empire adopted variations of the Blue Ensign.
For some, the Union Jack honours the institutions of democracy, law, and government that were inherited from Britain. However, there are also criticisms that including the Union Jack in the national flag of Australia signals colonial dominance rather than independence. This element has been central to the flag change debate.
The Commonwealth Star
The large white Commonwealth Star or Federation Star symbolises the six states created at Federation in 1901. As mentioned earlier, this design originated as a six-point star before evolving into a seven-point star to represent the states and territories.
The Southern Cross
The right-hand side of the flag features the Southern Cross constellation (Crux). This is a group of five stars used for navigation by Indigenous Australians, early explorers, and settlers. The constellation is visible throughout the southern hemisphere. It has long been a symbol of place, guidance, and resilience; it was even adapted for the Eureka flag in rebellion. The varying size of the stars on the flag is reflective of how the constellation appears in the night sky. Four of the stars are seven-pointed and one is a smaller five-pointed star.
The Blue Field
Australia's national flag inherits its deep blue field from the Blue Ensign tradition. This comes from the system of British ensigns. These developed as naval flags in the 17th-18th centuries.
White Ensign
Used by the Royal Navy.
Red Ensign
Originally a Royal Navy flag, later used by merchant shipping.
Blue Ensign
Used by vessels commanded by officers in the Royal Naval Reserve, and later by colonies and dominions of the British Empire.
Colonial governments typically adopted a defaced Blue Ensign (a Blue Ensign with a badge or emblem added to the fly). Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and other dominions all adopted Blue Ensigns.
The Blue Ensign is often associated with loyalty, strength, and vigilance. The blue also distinguishes the Australian national flag from the red version (the Red Ensign), which was used by the merchant navy and sometimes civilians.
Legal Status and Official Recognition
The Australian national flag first flew in 1901. However, it took more than fifty years for it to be legally confirmed. There was confusion about which flags Australians should fly. Generally, the Blue Ensign was for government and official purposes. Civilians were usually encouraged or required to fly the Red Ensign.
This confusion was ended with the Flags Act 1953. This gave the Blue Ensign recognition as the official national flag of Australia. The Act received Royal Assent from Queen Elizabeth II in February 1954, which declared the Australian Blue Ensign to be "the Australian National Flag" and established the rules for its use.
Under the Act, the flag must be treated with respect. It should be flown aloft and free, not allowed to touch the ground, and displayed in a position of honour when flown with other flags. Schools, government buildings, and community organisations follow these guidelines. National Flag Day (3 September) and Australia Day (26 January) are opportunities to see the flag proudly displayed across the country often with their state flags. The Flag Amendment Act in 1998 reinforced the flag's status. It ensured that it could only be changed if a majority of electors in a majority of states agreed to a new design through a referendum or plebiscite.
The Australian Flag Change Debate
The Australian national flag has been celebrated as a symbol of unity and identity for many Australians. However, it's also the subject of an ongoing debate. The question is whether its design really reflects the nation, its identity, and its values in the 21st century.
Critics argue that the Union Jack in the canton represents subordination rather than independence. Given Australia is now a sovereign nation with its own democratic institutions, many feel that its flag shouldn't essentially include the flag of another country within it. Others maintain that the inclusion of the Union Jack is an acknowledgement of the British heritage that influenced Australia's parliamentary system, language, and cultural foundations.
A core aspect of the Australian flag change debate centres on Indigenous representation. Many feel that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are not at all acknowledged on the flag. Given that their culture predates colonisation by tens of thousands of years, questions remain about whether the national flag of Australia should overtly recognise this. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were recognised as official flags in 1995, but this doesn't address the issue of the current national flag's design.
Since the flag originated to represent a different Australia, advocates for Australia becoming a republic also tend to believe that a new flag would be necessary. However, others argue that the flag is a long-established emblem that has represented Australia during wars, peacekeeping missions, and international competitions, and should be kept.
New flag designs have been suggested, with many looking to retain the Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star, remove the Union Jack, and add Indigenous motifs or variations. The popularity of these designs tends to fluctuate more with the political climate of the country than with the designs themselves.
The Flag in Modern Australia
The Australian flag is a widely recognised symbol in the country. It's flown on public buildings, schools, and community centres. It's prominently displayed on holidays like Australia Day (26 January), ANZAC Day (25 April), and National Flag Day (3 September).
Schools tend to fly the national flag of Australia. Government offices and defence facilities also fly the flag. Understandably, they must follow and respect flag protocols.
Internationally, the flag is flown to represent Australian identity. Athletes carry it or display it, and it can be found at embassies and consulates. Armed forces use it in peacekeeping missions, and its appearance alongside other flags showcases Australia's place in the international community.
For many Australians, the flag represents the country's values of democracy, freedom, and unity. For others, it's a reminder of unresolved issues about sovereignty and inclusion. However, like with many countries, it's tough to find a design that represents everything that everyone wants it to do.
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