Through the course of the 19th Century the various Australian colonies, later to become States in a new nation, adopted flags which have proudly endured to this day. The process continued with the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia and the development of her territories. Pictured below are some of the many Australian flags in use today.
The Queen's Personal Flag for Australia
On the 20th September, 1962, Her Majesty the Queen approved the design for a personal flag for her use when in Australia. The flag consists of the six State badges, over which is superimposed the Commonwealth Star. Her Majesty's initial and crown, contained within a chaplet of roses, are emblazoned on the Star. The Queen's personal flag is a Royal Standard and is flown only in the presence of Her Majesty.
The Governor-General's Personal Flag
In 1930, King George V approved the design for a personal flag for the Governor-General in each of the Dominions within the Empire, although, the flag was not adopted in Australia until June, 1936. The flag consists of the Royal Crest with a golden scroll below it bearing the words 'Commonwealth of Australia'. The flag is a vice-regal flag and is flown only in the presence of the Governor-General.
The Australian National Flag
With federation in 1901 came the need for a new flag to unite the peoples of the six disparate colonies. After a world wide competition it was announced that five almost identical entries were to be chosen as the Australian Blue Ensign. The flag, featuring a six pointed star to represent the new federation (later a seventh point was added to represent the territories), the Southern Cross and the Union Jack, was first flown in Melbourne 3 September 1901. In 1953 the Flags Act was passed by the Commonwealth Parliament proclaiming the Australian Blue Ensign as the Australian National Flag, with the Act receiving Royal Assent from the Queen on her first visit to Australia in 1954.
The Australian Red Ensign
In 1903, King Edward VII approved the Australian Red Ensign as the correct ensign to be used by Australian merchant shipping. This was reaffirmed in 1981 with the passing of the Shipping Act, 1981. Private craft may fly either the Australian Red Ensign or the Australian National Flag, however they should never be flown together.
The Australian White Ensign
The Australian White Ensign was first hoisted by the fleet on the 1st March, 1967, replacing the ensign of the Royal Navy which had been used in Australia since the formation of the Royal Australian Navy in 1911. The White Ensign is reserved exclusively for the Navy. The Australian Army is the protector of the Australian National Flag.
The Royal Australian Air Force Ensign
In December, 1948, King George VI approved the design for an ensign to be used by the Royal Australian Air Force replacing the Royal Air Force Ensign which had been used in Australia since 1922. In 1981 the red kangaroo was placed in the centre of the flags roundel replacing the earlier Royal Air Force roundel.
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