The Australian flag, a symbol of national identity that has flown over the country since 1901, may be due for a historic transformation.

The current design, which features the Union Jack in the canton, has been a point of contention for many Australians who feel it must adequately represent the nation's unique identity and diverse heritage.

A bold new push for a flag redesign that removes the Union Jack and incorporates elements that better reflect Australia's cultural landscape has reignited the debate.

The conversation around the flag's redesign gained momentum following comments from Peter Dutton.

He stated he would only stand in front of the national flag of Australia, excluding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

A bold movement is underway to redesign Australia's national flag and remove Union Jack. Credit: baona / iStock

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has displayed these flags alongside the Australian flag at press conferences since he took office in 2022.

The proposed redesign, circulating on social media platforms like Reddit, suggests replacing the Union Jack with the Aboriginal flag while maintaining the Southern Cross as a nod to the current flag's design.

This concept isn't entirely new; it was notably featured on actor Sam Neill's arm in the 1997 sci-fi film Event Horizon.

However, the design has been met with mixed reactions.

Some critics argue that it lacks aesthetic balance and does not respect the significance of the Aboriginal flag, which many believe should not be relegated to a corner of the national flag.

The creator of the Aboriginal flag has expressed that they do not want it to be used in the canton, as this placement traditionally represents control and dominion.

Prominent Australian writer Peter FitzSimons, a vocal advocate for the flag's redesign, has been pushing for a change that better tells Australia's story.

FitzSimons, a director of Ausflag, an organisation dedicated to finding a new flag design, has collected public submissions since 2015.

The group's mission is to create a flag representing Australia's past, present, and future, as well as its land, people, diversity, achievements, and aspirations.

Many designs have been proposed. Some featured iconic Australian symbols like the kangaroo, the federation star, and the nation's sporting colours of green and gold, inspired by the blooming wattle.

Some popular designs include the Southern Cross, which has a federation star above green and gold stripes, and another with a green and gold boomerang through the centre.

FitzSimons has pointed out that changing the national flag is a matter of political will rather than cost and has compared the process to the movement for an Australian republic, which seeks to replace the British monarch with an Australian as head of state.

The current flag, officially adopted in 1953, was chosen upon the federation of the six British colonies into a nation in 1901.

Its design reflects Australia's historical ties to Britain, but as the nation's identity continues to evolve, so does the call for a flag that fully embodies the spirit of modern Australia.

As the debate continues, it's clear that the Australian flag is more than just a piece of fabric; it's a powerful symbol of national unity and pride.

Whether or not the flag will change remains to be seen.

Still, the discussion is a testament to the country's journey towards self-definition and recognition of its rich cultural tapestry.

Key Takeaways

• There is a bold movement in Australia to redesign the national flag to remove the Union Jack and represent unity under one banner.
• Some Australians suggested incorporating the Aboriginal flag into the new design, replacing the Union Jack's current position.
• Discussions about a new flag design have intensified following Peter Dutton's statement about standing only under one flag - the national flag of Australia.
• Advocate groups like Ausflag are collecting and promoting various new flag designs, with public votes showing preferences for designs incorporating elements of Aboriginal heritage and Australia's national colours.

What does the Australian flag mean to you? Do you support a redesign? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

 

[Wazz]

I think the existing flag should be kept until we possibly become a republic. It would be appropriate to have a new flag designed to represent Australia on the world stage, if this were to happen.... but only then.

 

[glennkidd]

Peter Fitzsimmons must have gotten too many head knocks playing rugby.

BillyB, get out of my head!!!!!!!

 

[marni]

Most people confuse NZ and Australian flag. Take away Union Jack . It’s just a monarchy cultural throwback. Make the background orange to represent our land and put the southern cross front and centre. Done

 

[Andrew]

As an ExBrit, having become an Aussie citizen, I'd like to add my 2 cent's worth. My suggestion would be to reduce the size of the Union Jack and move it to the opposite corner, and install the Australian coat of arms in its place. This would still show our heritage and that we are self governed.

 

[Heather Ruth]

For heavens sake, leave our flag alone! It’s time these divisive, woke idiots decided whether they want to be Australians or not - if not, go overseas!

If the flag has only been official since 1953, that is not a long period, so I don't see why a change is such a big deal. Our country is better known overseas with our green & gold sports uniforms, so a green & gold flag, still incorporating the Southern Cross which we all live under, which represents all of Australia, no matter whether the oldest or the newest Australian culture, would be appropriate. And yes, I was born in Australis of Australian parents of English origin, over 70 years ago.

 

[Boomer54]

This is Australia , a nation independent of the country which colonised many lands on Earth. At one time the majority of people who came to live in this land were British. The indigenous peoples had been overwhelmed by the newcomers. Then arrivals from different countries were welcomed to make their homes in this developing nation. They also had much of their cultures to share. The flag has been of great significance to the population of descendants from the British Empire. Australia is now a multicultural country.The flag represents a history that has been anything but democratic and peaceful. It is time for changing the national standard . Please do so

I would agree to changing our flag,,,,WHEN AND ONLY WHEN, Trump adds the Mexican flag to the stars and stripes !!!!!!!

 

[Giannidifirenze]

The Australian flag with the Union Jack is a reminder of colonisation and the reason ‘English’ is our language. It has been at the forefront of every great endeavour Australia has been involved in, from the wars to the Olympics. We have been a progressive country punching above our weight across all spheres including science, medicine, arts etc. etc. etc.
The main reason 2 other flags now hang next to OUR flag is the stealth of republicans and the Wokes to dilute its significance to sway the people in the next referendum. China is playing the long game… Mandarin will be taught in all schools and there will only be one flag and it’s none of these 3 when we finally cut our ties.

 

[Boomer54]

I would agree to changing our flag,,,,WHEN AND ONLY WHEN, Trump adds the Mexican flag to the stars and stripes !!!!!!!

 

[Zemo]

Most people confuse NZ and Australian flag. Take away Union Jack . It’s just a monarchy cultural throwback. Make the background orange to represent our land and put the southern cross front and centre. Done

MOST people? Can't they tell the difference between red and white? Oh, yes. That's right ... there are a couple more stars on ours, too. Maybe that says something right there.

 

[Jest]

what is wrong with australians? leave well alone and be proud of the flag. do you see the USA carrying on? NO they are very proud of their flag as are most countries but NO the aussies have to complain.

 

[Jest]

a very stupid reply.

 

[Iggydi]

If it MUST be changed, then just remove the union jack, and make the entire flag the southern cross, which shines above all of us, regardless of our ancestry or skin colour.

This is the most sensible way to do it. Aren't flags only changed after a revolution has taken place? We haven't quite come to that yet.

 

[Suemac]

Don't change our flag!! We should only have one flag! Forget the other two, that only represent a small minority in our nation!

 

[Huntly]

It is just these activists seeking recognition to bolster their pathetic egos who want to change the flag. The so called "First Nations People" which I believe consisted of many, many tribes, had 60,000 years to do something with Australia! In that time frame many civilisations came and went whereas nothing of note happened in Australia. Since colonisation Australia has developed into a magnificent country which offers huge benefits to all those who want to work. To suggest that this country has been taken from the 'First Nations people' is pure hypocrisy. They ought to be "Thanking Australia" for bringing them out of 60,000 years of Stoneage living and NOT abusing and taking advantage of them! It is only a very few minorities who continue to create problems, which the press then seeking to create a story, continue to headline. Those same minorities will be the first to cry "Help" when problems arise. They will certainly not put their hands up to protect Australia.

 

[Iggydi]

You don't like our flag you like our way of life you don't like anything Australian. then just GET on the next plane out to wherever you or your family came from

A lot of people do not know what our flag stands for as they haven't been taught these things in school. We need to educate everyone why our flag has the Union Jack and the Southern Cross on it. Once we become a republic then and only then can we change the flag

 

[Swizzle]

Why can't these "people" leave things alone. Just because they want it doesn't mean that we want it. Aren't they supposed to be there for the people, not themselves. Rest assured, if they don't get what they want this time, they will try again and again. Just look at Daylight Saving. If you don't like it the way we want it then there is a whole world out there. Go and push you ideas somewhere else. You are not Australian, LEAVE US ALONE

 

[Jest]

This is Australia , a nation independent of the country which colonised many lands on Earth. At one time the majority of people who came to live in this land were British. The indigenous peoples had been overwhelmed by the newcomers. Then arrivals from different countries were welcomed to make their homes in this developing nation. They also had much of their cultures to share. The flag has been of great significance to the population of descendants from the British Empire. Australia is now a multicultural country.The flag represents a history that has been anything but democratic and peaceful. It is time for changing the national standard . Please do so

a big fat NO. those who choose to live here adhere to traditions and choose to live under our flag. People like you are obviously not proud of your flag.

 

[drambuie69]

Why is this Country the only one in the world having this arguement/conversation, can anyone name another country that is going down the same path. NO, imagine proposing the changing of the USA, France, Italy, Canada, etc, these Countries were all 'invading entities' of lands which were already settled by various tribes, most of which didn't have a flag. Imagine the American flag being designed to incorporate all the local tribes into it, then all the icons that followed....ie: that helped open up the Country.. Daniel Boone, John Wayne, Cobb and Co, Pony Express, etc, etc, do we follow with Chips Rafferty, Bud Tingwell, Jack Thompson, Eyvon Goolegong, Cath Freeman, Tony Mundine Snr., Lional Rose etc. the flag would end up being big enough to cover the Sydney Harbour Bridge... pity the Flag bearer at the Olympics he/she would need 5,000 helpers and pray for no wind. I would like to see all these mischief makers head over to China, Russia,Nth Korea etc. and start this there. We all know that Politicians are 'weak' and will 'bow, placate and entertain' these mischief makers only to foster votes to keep their snouts in the public trough. The big one is who decides on the winning design it will always cause an arguement or devisive feelings. We are who we are and we show the world that we stand on our own two feet in wars, sport, the rights of individuals, democracy, and to speak out. WE THE PEOPLE MAKE THE COUNTRY, so let all of us come together and those who don't want this, come out of the shadows and make yourself know. As for Peter Fitzsimmons, he stood there whilst the Aust. Anthem was played on the international sporting grounds, with this flag beside the team, did he 'hate it then', didn't hear anything from him then, so is this a 'later development of hate', or does he have a 'new book' coming out soon and needed to indulge in a bit of exposure... Please feel free to 'add other icons to our new flag' happy to make it bigger.

 

[Jean55]

They tried to change the flag in New Zealand years ago, even went to a national vote, we first had to vote for a new flag and then that was put to another national vote with the existing flag and it got voted down, therefore the original flag remains. Apart from costing millions of dollars for the whole exercise nothing changed. I am a new Australian and don’t want the flag changed. The Government has better things to do with the money that would be spent

 

[Rickcb63]

Leave it alone !!