Leslie Massey
The Australian flag has been changed several times since the early 20th century. The current design, which features the Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star, was officially adopted in 1903, with minor changes made in 1908 to include a seventh point on the Federation Star. The Australian flag has been a topic of debate, with some calling for a change to remove the Union Jack canton, while others argue for preserving the existing flag. Lobby groups such as Ausflag and the Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) have been established to support their respective positions. While there have been attempts to modify the flag, it remains unchanged as of the most recent sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of last change | 8 December 1908 |
| Nature of last change | A seventh point was added to the six-pointed Commonwealth Star |
| Previous changes | Standardisation of the size and shape of the four outer stars (23 February 1903); simplification of the design (1903) |
| First flown | 3 September 1901 |
| First flown in an act of war | 6 August 1914 |
| Legislation | Flags Act (1953); Flags Act (Amended) No 1 of 1954; Flags Amendment Act (1981); Flag Amendments Bill (1998) |
| Lobby groups | Ausflag (supports changing the flag); Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) (wants to keep the existing flag) |
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What You'll Learn
The Australian flag was standardised in 1903
The Australian flag was first flown on 3 September 1901, after a competition was held to design it following Federation. The winning design, which was called the Blue Ensign, featured the Union Jack in the canton, a six-pointed Federation Star, and the five stars of the Southern Cross. However, this design was rarely used in practice due to Australians' strong allegiance to Britain, and the federal government's preference for flying the Union Jack.
In 1902, King Edward VII approved a standardised version of the Australian flag design. On 20 February 1903, this standardised design was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, with minor changes to the points of the stars on the Southern Cross. This change was made to simplify the manufacture of the flag, with the size and shape of the four larger outer stars standardised to seven points, and the central star remaining with five points.
The standardised Australian flag design was officially adopted in 1903, and it flew at the Olympic Games in St Louis, Missouri, in 1904. However, the flag continued to evolve, and in 1908, a seventh point was added to the Federation Star to represent Papua and all subsequent territories. The current design of the Australian flag was modified on 8 December 1908, finalising the change from a six- to seven-pointed Commonwealth Star.
The Flags Act of 1953 further defined the official flag of Australia, with Royal Assent given by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. This act specified the dimensions and protocols around the use of the Australian flag, which has changed little since the original competition in 1901.
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The Flags Act became law in 1954
The Flags Act became law in Australia in 1954, but the history of the Australian flag goes back much further. The original version of the flag was first flown as the Commonwealth Blue Ensign on 3 September 1901, after being selected through a design competition. The design was based on the British Blue Ensign, with a blue field, the Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter, a large white star, and a representation of the Southern Cross constellation.
The Blue Ensign was designated for government use, but the federal government did not encourage its use by the public. During this time, the Union Jack was often flown instead. It wasn't until the outbreak of World War I in 1914 that the Blue Ensign began to gain popularity, appearing in propaganda posters and sometimes taken into battle.
Over the years, there were minor modifications to the flag's design. In 1908, a seventh point was added to the Commonwealth Star to represent Papua and subsequent territories. In 1903, King Edward VII approved a standardised design, and in 1953, the Menzies government introduced the Flags Act to encourage the public to use the Blue Ensign as the national flag.
The Flags Act Bill was passed in December 1953, and on 14 February 1954, it received Royal Assent from Queen Elizabeth II, becoming law. The Act defined the Blue Ensign as Australia's National Flag and outlined flag dimensions and protocols for its use. It also specified that any changes to the flag would require a plebiscite or popular vote.
The Australian flag has been a subject of debate, with some calling for a change to remove the Union Jack, reflecting Australia's independence and multiculturalism. However, others argue for retaining the current design, citing historical precedence. The flag continues to be a potent symbol of Australia's unity and diversity.
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The Aboriginal Flag
The flag was granted official status in 1995 under the Flags Act 1953, together with the Torres Strait Islander flag, to advance reconciliation and recognise the importance and acceptance of these flags by the Australian community. The Flags Act 1953 was passed into law in 1954, defining the official flag of Australia, which has changed little since the 1901 competition that determined its design. The Aboriginal Flag, on the other hand, has undergone a significant journey to achieve official recognition and continues to be a subject of debate and celebration for Aboriginal people and their supporters.
In 2022, Harold Thomas transferred the copyright of the flag's design to the Commonwealth government, and the government affirmed that the flag's use is free but must be presented in a respectful and dignified manner. While many Aboriginal people celebrated this development, some Indigenous people and scholars expressed concerns about the federal government's control over the flag. They emphasised that the flag has always been a significant symbol of Aboriginal identity and history, regardless of official recognition.
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The Torres Strait Islander flag
Australia's national flag is based on the British Blue Ensign, which features a blue field with the Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter. It also includes a large white seven-pointed star (the Commonwealth Star) and a representation of the Southern Cross constellation, consisting of five white stars.
The Australian flag was first flown as the Commonwealth Blue Ensign on 3 September 1901, after being selected in a competition following Federation. A slightly simplified version approved by King Edward VII was officially adopted in 1903, and it was modified to its current design on 8 December 1908, with the addition of a seventh point to the Commonwealth Star. The Flags Act, which became law in 1954, defines the official flag of Australia and outlines flag dimensions and protocols for use.
Now, onto the Torres Strait Islander flag. This flag holds special legal and political status worldwide and is of great significance to the Indigenous people of Australia, the Torres Strait Islanders. The flag was designed in 1992 by Bernard Namok, who won a local competition held by the Islands Coordinating Council. It was officially recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission in June 1992 and was granted official status in 1995 under the Flags Act 1953. On 14 July 1995, Governor-General Bill Hayden proclaimed that the flag was to be "recognised as the flag of the Torres Strait Islander people of Australia and a flag of significance to the Australian nation generally".
The design of the Torres Strait Islander flag is rich in meaning. The green panels at the top and bottom symbolise the land, while the central blue panel represents the sea. The black lines dividing the panels represent the Torres Strait Islander people. The centre of the flag features a white dhari (a dancer's headdress), which is a symbol of Torres Strait Islander culture. Underneath the dhari is a white five-pointed star, which holds multiple symbolic values. It represents peace, the five major island groups in the Torres Strait, and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the region. Each element of the flag symbolises the unity and identity of the Torres Strait Islander people and their culture.
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Lobby groups for and against changing the flag
Lobby Groups for Changing the Flag
The main lobby group advocating for a change of national flag for Australia is Ausflag, a non-profit body seeking to gain public support for a new flag. Ausflag was established in 1981 and has periodically campaigned for flag change in association with national events, such as the 2000 Summer Olympics. It has also held flag design competitions, including one in conjunction with The Australian newspaper in 1993, and sponsored design competitions to develop alternative flag candidates. Ausflag has also arranged for an Australian flag manufacturer to make and sell five new Australian flag designs, with the aim of encouraging interest in a flag change.
Supporters of changing the flag, including former prime minister Paul Keating, argue that the flag does not represent Australia as a fully sovereign and independent nation, as it features the flag of another country in its corner. They also argue that the flag is not distinctive, and that its colonial origins and symbolic connotations have caused it to be associated with discriminatory beliefs and acts of intolerance.
Lobby Groups Against Changing the Flag
The Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) was established in 1983 and wants to maintain the existing flag. ANFA promotes the existing flag through events such as National Flag Day.
Opponents of changing the flag argue that it is a popular symbol that is recognised by law, custom, and tradition as Australia's chief national symbol. It has been claimed that the flag represents all Australian citizens, has historical importance, and is particularly supported by young Australians who do not see it as a colonial symbol. Additionally, it has been pointed out that Australians have not traditionally "fought and died under the flag", but rather under various British flags or the Australian Red Ensign.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's flag became official on 3 September 1901, after being selected in a competition held following Federation.
Yes, the flag has undergone several changes since 1901. In 1903, minor changes were made to the points of the stars on the Southern Cross, and the design was standardised by the British Admiralty. In 1908, a seventh point was added to the Federation Star to represent Papua and all subsequent territories.
Yes, there has been some controversy surrounding the Australian flag, particularly regarding the presence of the Union Jack in the canton. Two lobby groups, Ausflag and the Australian National Flag Association (ANFA), were created in the 1980s, advocating for and against a flag change, respectively. In 1994, Prime Minister Paul Keating dropped his push to change the flag, and the issue has since largely been dormant.
