TOPIC:

Given the auspicious day, time to look at a new national symbol.

I rather like this design - whatdy'a reckon?

Surely we can come up with more than the Southern Cross? Trying to please everyone in this country will be an impossible task. There will be some group most likely a minority who will bitch and moan.

The point that gets lost in the flag debate is that the history of our flag symbolises many things including our spirit, rejection of authority, and willingness to work hard to achieve our success.

Its three elements all play a part in speaking to our past, present and future.

The Union Jack acknowledges European settlement came from Britain, reflected in our national language, system of parliamentary government and the rule of law.

The "Commonwealth Star" symbolises our shared democratic future, formed by the "ballot rather than the bullet" following a peaceful vote by residents of the former colonies.

The Southern Cross not only references our place in the world, but it is highly significant in Aboriginal mythology

A flag is meant to be a symbol that endures even as the nation changes. If we were to "update our brand" to reflect a changing Australia, we'd be running a new design up the flagpole every decade or so.

The Australian flag makes us proud, as well as reinvigorating the old and taking us forward. If popular opinion is any guide, it will continue to fly over this country for a long time to come.

Big Al wrote: The point that gets lost in the flag debate is that the history of our flag symbolises many things including our spirit, rejection of authority, and willingness to work hard to achieve our success.

Its three elements all play a part in speaking to our past, present and future.

The Union Jack acknowledges European settlement came from Britain, reflected in our national language, system of parliamentary government and the rule of law.

The "Commonwealth Star" symbolises our shared democratic future, formed by the "ballot rather than the bullet" following a peaceful vote by residents of the former colonies.

The Southern Cross not only references our place in the world, but it is highly significant in Aboriginal mythology

A flag is meant to be a symbol that endures even as the nation changes. If we were to "update our brand" to reflect a changing Australia, we'd be running a new design up the flagpole every decade or so.

The Australian flag makes us proud, as well as reinvigorating the old and taking us forward. If popular opinion is any guide, it will continue to fly over this country for a long time to come.

Not sure how the current flag symbolises rejection of authority when it has the national flag of the U.K on it. If anything the current flag just symbolises Australia as a British colony.

Far from me to complain.
Not sure why this topic needs starting. I'd have thought there are far more important problems and topics in society that need attention.

westaussieguy wrote: Far from me to complain.
Not sure why this topic needs starting. I'd have thought there are far more important problems and topics in society that need attention.

I would of thought Australia Day the perfect opportunity for such a topic. All those more important problems and topics in society that need attention can be dealt with manana.

Agree 100% big Al. Before we consider anything with our flag I ask you to consider the following 3 questions

1) What would every dead armed service man from 1901 say if you changed the flag they defended?
2) What would every Australian athlete that has waved this flag when they have won a world title say? Im sure Kathy Freeman is proud of our flag, she was when she won her medals at the Olympics and a different flag would not have made her do any better would it?
3) If you still want to change the flag go and hang out at any back packers place around the globe. You will meet hundreds of Aussies proudly displaying the flag on tattoos, luggage, backpacks, and anything else they can display to the world.

Why change what we all believe in and are proud of, for a small minority.

Don't get me wrong, if we want to get away from the Commonwealth I have no issues with that argument, but to just change the flag because we don't like the current flag we all represent is shithouse.

Happy Aussie day to you all, regardless of where you came from, from the Premiership Hangover.

jackspratt wrote: Given the auspicious day, time to look at a new national symbol.

I rather like this design - whatdy'a reckon?

It's pretty good, Jack, but I'd go with the flag in the link directly below (I tried to copy the image directly across but it was "no go, sunshine").

www.mck.com.au/rooFlag.png

I think our good friends in Canada got it right in 1965 when they adopted the Maple Leaf flag.
The 11 points on the maple leaf reflected Canada's 11 provinces and territories (though this number is now 13, I believe).
True, there are many more pressing issues at the moment, but ultimately I think the strength and maturity of a country is to have its own unique flag.
Though my descendants are To and Froms and Irish (with the occasioinal unknown lineage milkman), I think it's time (as the late, great Gough Whitlam would say) for a new flag.

AD -- good post, a few points
Lester Pearson made the flag red an white to keep it as English as possible
Old Diefenbaker, the Opposition leader at the time, made them wrap his body in the red ensign at his state funeral.
manitoba and Ontario both put uion jacks on their provincial flags -- which still exist today -- to counter Pearson
The Harper government re-introducced the title 'Royal' in front of the Canuck Air Force and Navy to howls of protests from the political left in Canada.

All good points you make, Ark, and you certainly know your Canadian history.
I think we can still acknowledge aspects of the country's English heritage, but personally I'd love to see a new flag.
That said, if I had the choice, I'd rather see an alignment-free East Perth than a new flag because ultimately whichever flag we have (or don't have) doesn't keep me awake at night.
However, another year(s) of the bloody alignment will cause me considerable sleep loss.