Why does Australia have two flags?
However, people were confused about the use of two Australian flags. The blue ensign was meant to be for official and naval purposes and the red ensign was meant to be used by the merchant fleet, but the general public began using the red ensign on land.
What are the 3 official flags of Australia?
The 3 flags of Australia include the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag. 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.
What are the 4 flags of Australia?
The order of precedence for Defence ensigns is:
- Australian National Flag.
- Australian Defence Force ensign.
- Australian white ensign.
- Royal Australian Air Force ensign.
Will Australia get a new flag?
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.
What is the real Australian flag?
Flag of Australia
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adopted | 11 February 1899 (In use from 3 September 1901) 8 December 1908 (current seven-pointed Commonwealth Star version) |
| Design | A Blue Ensign defaced with the Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half. |
What does a white Australian flag mean?
The white ensign of the British Royal Navy had been used since 1911, when the Royal Australian Navy was formed. The Australian white ensign is usually flown from the stern of a navy vessel, while the Australian National Flag is flown from the bow of the vessel.
Why are there 6 stars on the Australian flag?
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.
Why did the Australian flag change from red to blue?
When the Commonwealth Government announced a competition to design a flag for Australia in 1901, entrants were asked to send a design for two flags – one for official and naval purposes and the other for merchant ships. This resulted in a Blue Ensign and a Red Ensign.
Is it illegal to fly the Australian flag upside down?
Flying the flag
Do not fly the flag upside down, even as a signal of distress. Information on the protocols for displaying and folding the flag can be found in the Australian flags booklet, which is also available from your Federal Member of Parliament or Senator.
What do the 6 stars on the Australian flag represent?
The Commonwealth Star – National Federation
Six points represent the states and the seventh all the federal territories which together constitute the nation, the Commonwealth of Australia.
What would a new Australian flag look like?
A dark blue, forward moving, kangaroo silhouetted against a golden sky has replaced the Union Jack and Federation Star featured on the current Australian Flag. The leading edge of the kangaroo divides the flag into two distinct areas.
Why is the British flag still used in Australia?
The Union Flag is thought to symbolise Australia’s history as six British colonies and the principles upon which the Australian Federation is based, although a more historic view sees its inclusion in the design as demonstrating loyalty to the British Empire.
What does a black Australian flag mean?
The flag’s design consists of a coloured rectangle divided in half horizontally. The top half of the flag is black to symbolise Aboriginal people. The red in the lower half stands for the earth and the colour of ochre, which has ceremonial significance. The circle of yellow in the centre of the flag represents the sun.
Who can fly the Blue Ensign?
You must be a British citizen. Your vessel must have a length of at least 7m and be: Registered in your name on the General Central Register of British Ships (for small ships), or. Registered in your name on General Central Register of British Ships.
Can you fly the Australian flag at night?
A flag should not be flown at half-mast at night, whether or not the flag is illuminated, unless direction to half-mast the flag for an extended period of time has been issued. When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
Can you fly the Australian flag in the rain?
Avoid flying your flags during periods of inclement weather especially in high winds coupled with rain the very worst of conditions! It is recommended not to fly large flags in strong gales. Winds over 40km/hr and or extended period will reduce the life of a flag.
Why should the Union Jack be removed from the Australian flag?
It does not accurately connote Australia’s status as an independent nation. The Union Jack at the canton suggests Australia is a British colony or dependency. New Zealand, Tuvalu and Fiji are the only other independent nations in the world to feature the Union Jack on their national flags.
What does it mean when the Australian flag is flown upside down?
a signal of distress
To fly a flag upside down is a signal of distress. The Australian National Flag should not, therefore, be displayed with the Union Jack down on any occasion except as a signal of distress.
Whats the difference between a Red Ensign and a Blue Ensign?
This changed in 1864, when an order in council provided that the Red Ensign was allocated to merchantmen, the Blue Ensign was to be the flag of ships in public service or commanded by an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve, and the White Ensign was allocated to the Navy.
Can I fly a Union Jack in my garden?
Anyone can fly the flag and it is actively encouraged. However, you may need to seek permission from your local council authority if you intend to plonk a huge flagpole in your front garden. The Union Flag is a form of respect – especially for those who have given their lives for their country.
Is it illegal to fly the Australian flag at home?
Any person may fly the Australian National Flag. However, the flag should be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves as the nation’s most important national symbol. Flag protocol is based on longstanding international and national practice.
Is burning the Australian flag illegal?
In 1989, a private member s bill was introduced by Michael Cobb MP (Nat) to make it an offence to desecrate, dishonour, burn, mutilate or destroy the Australian National Flag or an Australian Ensign, without lawful authority.
Is it illegal to fly the Australian flag at night?
A flag should not be flown at half-mast at night, whether or not the flag is illuminated, unless direction to half-mast the flag for an extended period of time has been issued.
Is it illegal to fly the Eureka flag?
Flying the Eureka flag on building sites has been banned in a landmark judgment that significantly extends government prohibitions on union posters and signs in the construction industry.