However, for the next 50 years Australia’s official flag was the British flag , the Union Jack. This changed in 1954 when the Flags Act came into effect.
What was the old Australian flag?
| Adopted 11 February 1903 (In use from 3 September 1901) 8 December 1908 (current seven-pointed Commonwealth Star version) | Design A Blue Ensign defaced with the Commonwealth Star (also known as the Federation Star) in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half. |
What was the Australian flag before Federation?
Prior to Federation on 1 January 1901, the official flag of the Australian Colonies was the flag of Great Britain the ‘Union Jack’ .
When was the Australian flag changed to blue?
Official use of the Blue and Red Ensigns
On the 3 rd Sep 1901 , following Federation, the Australian National Flag (Blue Ensign) became the official national flag of Australia, and has remained so ever since. At the same time, the Red Ensign became the flag of Merchant Naval Shipping, and has remained so ever since.
What are the 3 flags of Australia?
- The flag of Great Britain, known as the Union Jack, is in the top left corner. ...
- The Commonwealth Star is under the Union Jack.
Why does Australian flag have 6 stars?
The Stars. The Commonwealth Star is the emblem of Australian Federation. Six points represent the states and the seventh all the federal territories which together constitute the nation, the Commonwealth of Australia . The constellation of the Southern Cross indicates our geographical location in the southern hemisphere ...
Why are there 7 stars on the Australian flag?
Symbolism. The flag has three elements on a blue background: the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. ... Below the Union Jack is a white Commonwealth, or Federation, star. It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia .
Did Australia change its flag?
Australia’s flag will never change , Malcolm Turnbull has said, dismissing a new design that drops the Union Jack. ... The Union Jack is dropped, replaced with the Commonwealth Star and an enlarged Southern Cross, against a dark navy background.
Was Australia’s flag ever red?
With the Act, the blue version became the Australian national flag, and the red version used only for maritime use . Before 1953, it was technically illegal for non-Commonwealth agencies and individuals to even fly the blue ensign on land!
Why are New Zealand and Australia flags the same?
Why do New Zealand and Australia use a similar pattern of stars on their flags? Both Australia and New Zealand chose the Southern Cross constellation for their flags. The stars on the Australian Flag are white and have more points than the New Zealand Flag to show their brightness in the sky.
What Colour is the original Australian flag?
This resulted in a Blue Ensign and a Red Ensign . There was considerable confusion in the first half of the 20th century over the appropriate use of the Red Ensign as opposed to the Blue Ensign. This was clarified with the passage of the Flags Act 1953 which proclaimed the Blue Ensign as the Australian National Flag.
How old is the Australian flag now?
The Australian National Flag (the flag) was first flown in 1901 (see also Australian National Flag Day). It is Australia’s foremost national symbol and has become an expression of Australian identity and pride.
Why do boats have red Australian flags?
It is the Australian Red Ensign, commemorating Merchant Navy Day , an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of thousands of merchant mariners during wartime. ... Merchant ships, which included hospital ships, were attacked not only in distant waters but also within sight of the Australian coastline.
Can you fly a foreign flag in Australia?
Foreign vessels may, as a courtesy, fly from the foremast either the Australian National Flag or the Australian red ensign when berthed in an Australian port. Australian National Flag should be carried in the centre of the line.
Can you fly the Aboriginal flag?
Permission is not required to fly the Australian Aboriginal flag , however, the Australian Aboriginal flag is protected by copyright and may only be reproduced in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 or with the permission of Mr Harold Thomas.
Why do we fly the Aboriginal flag?
2. Why is flying the flags important? Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags demonstrates Australia’s recognition of First Nation peoples , promoting a sense of community partnership and a commitment toward reconciliation.
