My redesign of Queensland’s flag makes intentionally minimalistic adjustments, replacing the Union Jack with the “Australian Pale,” a design element already used in the flags of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. The colors have been updated to reflect Queensland’s official state colors: maroon, the state's official primary color, complemented by white and gold, the state's official secondary colors. The colors also are similar to those in the Aboriginal flag, making the flag inclusive without appropriating their own symbolism.

While there are some Queensland flag redesigns out there feature the Australian Pale and state colors, few of them retain the Maltese cross and even fewer keep the Saint Edward’s crown—and none that keep both! The Maltese cross in my proposed redesign, recolored from sky blue to gold (with an alternates retaining the blue available), ensures continuity with the current flag while aligning with the updated palette. The crown remains as a crucial symbol, representing Queensland’s namesake, Queen Victoria, while also referencing the state motto, Audax et Fidelis (“Bold but Faithful”). Keeping the crown serves as a substitute for the Union Jack, preserving its historical connection while "decolonizing" it and localizing its meaning.

Overall, I believe this redesign strikes a balance between modernity and tradition--greatly increasing its distinctiveness and aesthetic appeal while not appearing "too modern." It adopts a design style consistent with other Australian federal subjects while retaining key elements of Queensland’s original flag, including the Southern Cross, Maltese cross, and crown--the latter two being unchanged entirely in their stylization and positioning, save just a simple (and optional) recoloring. By doing so, it respects the symbolism of the current flag while modernizing its appearance, making it a design that could garner support from those on both sides of the flag debate, increasing its likelihood of adoption. As such, this redesign is a one that is distinctly Queensland while also recognizing its membership in the Commonwealth of Australia, as well as its Aboriginal and British history.

Queensland Flag Redesign (Main Proposals):

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Dimensions Alternate:

 

 

 

Alternate That Retains the Blue Maltese Cross:

 

 

 

Reversed Colors Alternates:

 

 

 

 

 

Mirrored Alternates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please sign and share this petition if you believe Queensland deserves a new flag!