‘One People, One Flag, One Destiny’
“One People, One Flag, One Destiny.”
This was the rallying cry of the Australian Federation movement in the 1890s, reflecting a vision of unity and shared purpose.
On September 3, 1901, the Australian National Flag flew for the first time, the result of a national competition that attracted over 32,823 submissions. The Commonwealth Government selected a design that would belong to all Australians, representing the democratic principles and ideals on which our nation was founded, and which continue to underpin it today.
The Australian Flag is rich in symbolism:
- The three crosses of St George, St Andrew, and St Patrick represent the heritage of parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the rights and responsibilities of all Australians.
- The “pure blue” field serves as the backdrop for the Southern Cross, a constellation symbolising hope and freedom, and the Commonwealth Star, representing the federation of our states and territories.
It is a flag designed to strengthen a federated nation, symbolise unity, and inspire equality.
According to national protocol, the Australian Flag should take precedence over all other flags and occupy the position of honour. Yet, this principle is increasingly disregarded.
Australia’s elites and activists reject the idea of a single national flag.
They call for multiple flags to reflect multiple identities or advocate for no Australian flag at all. This approach fosters confusion, conflict, and division, undermining the very unity the Australian Flag represents.
Recent incidents highlight this disturbing shift:
- Anti-monarchy protests and anti-Australia Day demonstrations have featured the burning or desecration of the Australian flag.
- Climate activists and other groups wave their own banners, dismissing the shared symbol of national unity.
- Pro-Palestinian protests have seen competing flags divide streets, intensifying tensions rather than fostering cohesion.
These acts create division and discord, directly opposing the ideals of the Australian Flag.
Even Harold Thomas, the designer of the Australian Aboriginal Flag, knew this. He opposed its elevation to official status by the Keating Government. Thomas argued that his flag “doesn’t need any more recognition,” emphasising its symbolic purpose as distinct from the national flag.
In nations like Norway, Denmark, or the United States, a single national flag flies everywhere. The flag connects millions of citizens across diverse ethnic and cultural identities. Widely respected and largely uncontroversial, their ubiquity prevents inappropriate appropriation by any one group, standing instead as an enduring symbol of national unity.
Activists and elites don’t want an Australian flag. For instance, Home Affairs Secretary Stephanie Foster removed the Australian Flag from the headshots of senior bureaucrats on the department’s website, citing a desire to appear “less formal”.
Yet, removing the Australian Flag serves only to disconnect people from their government and nation. It fosters ambivalence, discord, and weakens community cohesion. It divides us.
Australia’s flag was designed by Australians as a symbol of unity, identity, and sovereignty, representing a shared history, culture, and aspiration for the future.
For many who have chosen Australia as their home, it symbolises freedom, peace and safety.
It is one flag for all.
One flag we rally behind in sports, arts, and international diplomacy.
One flag we fly over government buildings, schools, and during moments of national significance, especially ANZAC Day, Australia Day and National Flag Day.
One flag we bravely carry into war and on peacekeeping missions, representing the sacrifices made for freedom and peace.
The Australian Flag is the enduring symbol of our Australian family.
Let’s proudly embrace what the flag represents: “One people, one flag, one destiny”.
Sign the petition now to stand up for the Australian Flag.
Sandra Bourke
ADVANCE Spokeswoman
References
ABOUT US - Australian National Flag Association (ANFA)
Australian National Flag protocols | PM&C
Eriksen, T.H., & Jenkins, R. (Eds.). (2007). Flag, Nation and Symbolism in Europe and America (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203934968
Harold Thomas in Land Rights News, July 1995, p. 3. See also: 'Aboriginal flag is twenty years old,' ATSIC News, Spring 1991, pp. 8-9.; Ian Anderson, 'Flag of convenience,' The Independent Monthly, February 1995.
Home Affairs Airbrushed Australian Flag From the Background of Staff Portraits | The Epoch Times
Queen death: Flag burned, red paint thrown as anti-monarchy protests held across Australia
The Australian Flag by Francis W L Adams - Famous poems, famous poets. - All Poetry
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