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Australia's national symbols are used to represent the country and its Commonwealth Government. There has been much debate over whether these symbols should be changed, particularly in the case of the Australian flag, which features the flag of another country in its corner. The coat of arms has also faced criticism, with some arguing that it should include symbols of all British nationalities or solely Australian symbology. While some organisations have removed the flag from their logos, others promote its use through events like National Flag Day. This paragraph introduces the topic of whether Australia should change its national symbols, specifically the flag and coat of arms, and hints at the ongoing debate surrounding these symbols' appropriateness in modern times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The Australian flag includes the flag of another country in its corner | The Australian flag includes the Union Jack, which represents the British Empire |
| The Australian flag is seen as a symbol of national history | The flag has been used since 1908 with minor modifications and is recognised internationally |
| The Australian flag is easy to confuse with other flags | The Australian flag is similar to the New Zealand flag, which also features the Union Jack |
| The Australian flag is not inclusive of all Australians | Some Australians may prefer a flag that better represents the diversity of the country |
| The Australian coat of arms is controversial | The coat of arms has been criticised for its design and lack of inclusion of all British nationalities or solely Australian symbology |
| The Australian coat of arms is a symbol of public authority | The coat of arms represents the intangible, but limited, public authority of the Commonwealth |
| The Australian coat of arms includes an Aboriginal shield | The inclusion of an Aboriginal shield may be seen as a step towards reconciliation |
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What You'll Learn
The Australian flag's colonial history
The Australian flag features three prominent symbols: the Union Jack, the Southern Cross, and the Commonwealth Star. The flag was designed by Nicholson in 1831, but it did not gain popularity until the latter part of the century when calls for federation became louder. The Union Jack, as the flag of the British Empire, was first used on Australian soil on 29 April 1770 when Lieutenant James Cook landed at Botany Bay. The Union Jack was included in the Australian flag to acknowledge the history of British settlement in the country.
The Southern Cross constellation has been featured on many Australian flags, including the Eureka Flag, which came into use at the Eureka Stockade in 1854. The Anti-Transportation League Flag, which is similar to the current flag, is the oldest known flag to depict the stars of the Southern Cross as they appear in the sky. The Murray River Flag, popular since the 1850s, is still used by boats traversing the river and is similar to the National Colonial Flag.
The Commonwealth Star, also known as the Federation Star, originally had six points representing the six federating colonies. In 1908, a seventh point was added to symbolise the Territory of Papua and any future territories. The original version of the flag featuring the six-pointed Commonwealth Star first flew as the Commonwealth blue ensign on 3 September 1901 and was officially adopted in 1903. The current design of the flag, with the seven-pointed Commonwealth Star, was adopted on 8 December 1908.
The Australian flag has been the subject of debate, with some arguing that it should be changed to better represent Australia's status as an independent and multicultural nation. Ausflag, a lobby group established in 1981, advocates for changing the flag and has held design competitions. On Australia Day in 2018, Ausflag released an alternative design without the Union Jack, featuring the Commonwealth Star and Southern Cross. However, the Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) supports keeping the existing flag, citing historical precedence. A 2004 Newspoll found that 32% of respondents supported changing the flag, while 57% opposed it and 11% were uncommitted.
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The coat of arms' controversial design
Australia's national symbols are used to represent the country and the Commonwealth Government. Each state and territory also has its own set of symbols. The Australian National Flag is considered the country's "most important national symbol". However, there have been several debates and discussions around changing the flag, as well as other national symbols like the coat of arms and the national anthem.
The Australian National Flag features the flag of another country, the Union Jack, in one of its corners. This has led to calls for a new flag design that better represents Australia's sovereignty and independence. While some organisations have removed the Australian flag from their logos, others have strongly opposed any changes to the flag, viewing it as an important symbol of the country's history.
The coat of arms of Australia is another national symbol that has faced some controversy. While specific details about the controversy are scarce, it has reportedly caused "no shortage of political grumbling and performative outrage". The coat of arms is a heraldic visual design with a rich history and tradition in Europe. It typically consists of a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto, and is unique to the individual, family, state, or organisation it represents.
The design and use of coats of arms vary across different countries and are often influenced by historical events and traditions. For example, coats of arms in Spain reflect military service and the heritage of one's grandparents, while those in France are based on the Fleur-de-lys and English heraldry. In Canada, the monarch's prerogative to grant armorial bearings has been delegated to the Governor General, who is assisted by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
The controversy surrounding Pope Leo XIV's coat of arms provides an interesting example of the significance given to these symbols. The design of his coat of arms has been criticised for its unconventional colour choices and the replacement of the papal tiara with a common bishop's mitre. These choices have been viewed as anti-design and a departure from symbolic traditions.
While the specific details of the controversy surrounding Australia's coat of arms are unclear, it is evident that the design and symbolism of such heraldic achievements can evoke strong reactions and spark debates about national identity and values.
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The emu and kangaroo's significance
The emu and kangaroo are native Australian animals. By the 1820s, an unofficial coat of arms consisting of a shield depicting four symbols of commerce (a golden fleece, ship, anchor, and wheat) was supported by a kangaroo and an emu with the motto "Advance Australia". This unofficial coat of arms was widely used across the eastern colonies of Australia and appeared on buildings and personal goods as a branding device.
The current version of the coat of arms, officially the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, was authorised by King George V on 19 September 1912. It depicts a shield containing symbols of Australia's six states and is held up by a kangaroo and an emu. The seven-pointed Commonwealth Star, which surmounts the crest, also represents the states and territories, while golden wattle, the national floral emblem, appears below the shield.
The kangaroo and emu have never been designated as official animal emblems of Australia. However, they have been included in the coat of arms since its inception. The emu and kangaroo are unique to Australia and are seen as powerful and distinctive creatures. They are also seen as symbolic of the nation's progress and advancement, with the motto "Advance Australia".
The coat of arms symbolises the people, crown, and constitution of Australia. The people of each state are signified by their state badges, with the federation established under the constitution by the equal distribution of the quarters, and the crown by the ermine border. The public authority represented by the arms symbolises the intangible, but limited, public authority of the Commonwealth and its vesting in a mystical fusion of people, crown, and constitution.
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The role of state symbols
Australia has several national symbols, including the flag, the coat of arms, and the kangaroo and emu. Each state and territory also has its own set of unique symbols. The role of these state symbols is to represent Australia and its states as distinct entities, fostering a sense of pride and unity among their citizens.
The Australian National Flag, with its current design finalised in 1908, holds significant symbolic value. Guidelines outline the respectful treatment it deserves as the nation's most important symbol. The flag's history reflects Australia's evolving relationship with the British Empire, initially featuring the Union Jack in the corner, before gaining independence with the passage of the Flags Act 1953. Despite some calls for a redesign, particularly to remove the Union Jack, the flag remains a potent symbol of Australia's history and sovereignty.
The coat of arms, authorised by King Edward VII in 1908 and revised by King George V in 1912, serves as the formal symbol of Commonwealth authority and ownership. It features a seven-pointed Commonwealth Star, representing the states and territories, and an Aboriginal shield. The escutcheon, or central shield, displays the badges of each Australian state, addressing concerns about individual state representation. The coat of arms is used by government departments, agencies, and courts, signifying the intangible public authority of the Commonwealth.
The kangaroo and emu, endemic Australian fauna, are also recognised as symbols of the nation, though unofficially. These iconic animals were chosen for their strong association with the continent and their visually recognisable presence.
The state symbols of Australia play a crucial role in representing the nation and its individual states, fostering a sense of identity and unity. They serve as visual reminders of Australia's history, values, and sovereignty, contributing to a sense of national pride and providing a means to express Australian identity both domestically and internationally.
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Commercial use of national symbols
The Australian National Flag may be used for commercial or advertising purposes without formal permission, as long as it is used in a dignified manner and reproduced completely and accurately. It should not be defaced by overprinting with words or illustrations, covered by other objects in displays, and all symbolic parts of the flag should be identifiable. It also must sit first (typically, on the left) when more than one flag is used. For instance, the Collingwood Football Club had to reverse its logo, which previously featured the flag until a logo refresh at the end of 2017.
The use of national symbols for commercial purposes is a popular practice, especially during important sporting events such as football championships or the Olympic Games. While this practice may boost sales, it is not always in line with regulations. National symbols are excluded from copyright protection but are protected under specific acts. For example, the Act on Coat of Arms, Colours and Anthem of the Republic of Poland and State Seals forbids the commercial use of national symbols but provides explicit exceptions, allowing stylised or "artistically processed" national symbols. Polish law also states that obtaining trademark protection for a sign containing a national symbol, even a modified one, is generally impossible.
In Australia, there have been several attempts to make the desecration of the national flag a crime. During the second reading debate on the Flags Bill in 1953, the leader of the Opposition, Arthur Calwell, unsuccessfully called for provisions to be added to the bill to criminalise desecration. Similarly, in 1994, then-prime minister Paul Keating dropped his push to change the flag, instead focusing on the ultimately unsuccessful promotion of republicanism. Several organisations with the flag in their logos, such as the Australian Labor Party, removed it. However, the Liberal Howard government elected in 1996 led to greater government promotion of the flag. An amendment to the Flags Act 1953 was passed, requiring a plebiscite before the flag could be changed.
The commercial use of national symbols is a complex issue, with varying regulations across different countries. While some countries may allow the use of stylised or "artistically processed" national symbols, obtaining trademark protection for signs containing national symbols is generally challenging. It is important for businesses to consider the relevant regulations and guidelines when using national symbols in their commercial activities.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian National Flag and Coat of Arms are the country's most important national symbols.
There have been several campaigns to change the Australian flag as it features the flag of another country in the corner, which some people believe does not represent the full sovereignty of Australian nationhood.
On Australia Day in 2018, Ausflag released an alternative design of the flag without the Union Jack, featuring a Commonwealth Star and Southern Cross. There have also been calls to redesign the coat of arms to include symbols of all British nationalities or to use only Australian symbology.
