The Australian National Flag has the Union Jack in the upper left-hand quarter nearest the flagpole (the 'canton') to acknowledge the history of British settlement in Australia.
The stars on the Flag represent the Southern Cross constellation, emphasising New Zealand's location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack in the top left-hand corner of the Flag recognises New Zealand's historical foundations as a former British colony and dominion.
Why are the flags so similar? When Capt. James Cook landed in Australia and (against orders of the Crown) declared the land a British colony, Australia and New Zealand shared a flag based on the blue ensign — a flag used by the British Navy.
There is a union flag in the upper left corner of the Australian flag because Australia was a British colony for many years. It is still part of the Commonwealth today as a former colony, and the British monarch is still Australia's head of state.
The Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag were appointed flags of Australia in 1995, while a version of the Australian National Flag has been in use since 1901.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag were proclaimed flags of Australia under section 5 of the Flags Act 1953 on 14 July 1995.
The Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) believes that the existing design is an integral part of the Australian heritage and an appropriate expression of our national identity. The existing design of stars and crosses should therefore be retained and not altered in any manner whatsoever.
Use of the Australian Red Ensign
The Australian Red Ensign is generally only flown at sea by Australian registered merchant ships or on land by organisations and individuals for ceremonial purposes such as Merchant Navy Day.
Australia's flag will never change, Malcolm Turnbull has said, dismissing a new design that drops the Union Jack. The not-for-profit group Ausflag released a new design on Friday, telling Australia it was time to “grow up” and shed symbols of British dominance.
Is it Unlawful to Burn or Destroy an Australian Flag? The short answer to that question is 'no'. There is no Federal or state legislation in Australia which prohibits the destruction of the national flag. Many politicians, lawyers and academics claim, in fact, that it is a legitimate act of political protest.
The New Zealand flag is 50 years older than Australia's and was adopted in 1902, replacing the union jack. The Australian flag was adopted in 1954, after going through three previous iterations since 1901.
On 12 April 1606, a new flag to represent this personal union between England and Scotland was specified in a royal decree, according to which the flag of England (a red cross with a white background, known as St George's Cross) and the flag of Scotland (a white saltire with a blue background, known as the Saltire or ...
The Commonwealth Star
This star has 7 points which symbolise the 6 Australian states, with the seventh point added in 1908 to recognise Australia's territories.
Five flags other than the New Zealand flag are flown for official purposes in New Zealand. They are the Governor-General's Flag, the New Zealand Red Ensign, the New Zealand White Ensign, the Royal New Zealand Air Force Ensign, and the New Zealand Civil Air Ensign.
The ensign was implemented out of a desire to distinguish New Zealand vessels from those of the Royal Navy and this decision is regarded as an important step in the development of the RNZN. White field defaced with the stars of the Southern Cross, in red, and with the Union Flag in the canton.
In the early 1900s, cartoonists started to use images of the kiwi bird to represent New Zealand as a country. During the First World War, New Zealand soldiers were referred to as 'kiwis', and the nickname stuck. Eventually, the term Kiwi was attributed to all New Zealanders, who proudly embraced the moniker.
Flag flying guidelines
raised no earlier than first light and lowered no later than dusk. raised briskly and lowered with dignity. flown aloft and free, as close to the top of the flag mast as possible and with the rope tightly secured; and. illuminated if flown at night.
The Australian Government's policy in relation to the flying of other nations' flags is to fly only the official flags of nations recognised by Australia.
The Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag can be obtained free of charge by contacting the electorate office of your local Senator or Member of the House of Representatives .
The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag may be flown at any time. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag may be flown together or either flag may be flown individually, depending on the preference of the organisation.
It is not however officially recommended to drape it around yourself to ensure it does not touch the ground. Mr Pidgeon welcomed most respectful displays of the national flag, but was not a fan of some. "Obviously it's probably not right to have the flag draped over your body," he said.
The Australian white ensign is an Australian National Flag with a white background. It is flown from the stern of naval vessels. The Australian National Flag is flown from the bow. The Royal Australian Air Force ensign was adopted in 1948. It is an Australian National Flag with a light blue background.
Dignity of the Flag
It should not be subjected to indignity or displayed in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign. The Flag normally takes precedence over all other national flags when flown in Australia. It should always be flown aloft and free and should not be allowed to fall or lie upon the ground.
The Australian National Flag has the Union Jack in the upper left-hand quarter nearest the flagpole (the 'canton') to acknowledge the history of British settlement in Australia. The rest of the background (the 'field') is coloured dark blue.
David Dixon 2022 - The Southern Cross flag - five white stars on a green and gold cross, on a blue field. The design has been influenced by the Eureka Flag and the 1832 Australian Ensign with their large central crosses bearing 8-pointed stars, representing the Southern Cross.