Petition to Recognise the Union Jack as an Australian Heritage Flag

A proposal for formal recognition of an important part of Australia's national and constitutional history

To the Australian Government and the Minister responsible for Australian national symbols,

The Australian Royalist Society respectfully proposes that the Commonwealth Government consider amending the Flags Act 1953 (Cth) to formally recognise the Union Jack as an Australian Heritage Flag, acknowledging its historical significance in Australia's development.

Historical Background

The Union Jack has occupied a significant place in Australian history for more than two centuries.

Before Federation in 1901, the Australian colonies flew the Union Jack and other British and Colonial flags. These symbols reflected the constitutional relationship between the colonies and the British Crown.

When the Commonwealth of Australia was established on 01 January 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria, Australia entered a new chapter of national and constitutional development.

Later that year, a distinctive Australian flag was selected through a national design competition and first flown on 03 September 1901.

Nevertheless, the Union Jack continued to be widely used throughout Australia, alongside the developing use of the Australian blue and red ensigns.

The Flags Act 1953, which received royal assent in February 1954, formally declared the Australian Blue Ensign to be the Australian National Flag.

The Union Jack remains incorporated into the design of the Australian National Flag today, reflecting Australia's historical and cultural connections with the United Kingdom.

What Is Being Proposed?

The Australian Royalist Society proposes that the Commonwealth Government consider legislative recognition of the Union Jack as an Australian Heritage Flag.

Such recognition would acknowledge its historical association with Australia's colonial development, Federation and constitutional traditions.

Importantly, this proposal:

• Does not seek to replace or redesign the Australian National Flag.
• Does not seek to diminish the Australian National Flag's official status or precedence.
• Does not propose reinstating the Union Jack as Australia's national flag.
• Does not seek to impose any requirement upon Australians to display or use the Union Jack.
• Seeks recognition of historical significance, rather than the creation of a competing national symbol.

The proposed recognition would be commemorative and educational in character.

Preserving and Understanding Our Heritage

Australia's history encompasses many peoples, cultures, experiences and traditions, including the enduring histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Union Jack is one symbol associated with a particular period and aspect of that history. Its historical meaning is not understood or experienced identically by all Australians.

The Australian Royalist Society believes that the study and preservation of historical symbols can contribute to a fuller understanding of Australia's national development.

As an apolitical organisation, the Society is dedicated to the study, preservation and celebration of Australia's royal and constitutional heritage.

This proposal is presented in that spirit.

Our Request

We respectfully request that the Australian Government:

• Consider the historical case for recognising the Union Jack as an Australian Heritage Flag.
  Examine an appropriate amendment to the Flags Act 1953 to provide such recognition.
• Ensure that any recognition expressly preserves the Australian National Flag's existing status and precedence.
• Consider the educational and commemorative significance of such recognition as part of Australia's broader national heritage.

The Australian Royalist Society invites Australians to consider this proposal and its historical foundations.

To learn more about the Society, visit our Society Website.

 

Campbell Bailey-Christie
Royalist-General of the Australian Royalist Society

God Save The King.