The flag has existed as three versions, the original flag used between 1902 and 1909 being a Union Flag defaced with a six pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. In 1909, following the addition of a seventh point to the Commonwealth Star on the Australian Blue and Red Ensigns, the star was changed to a seven-pointed star.[2]
On 16 July 1936, the governor-general adopted a new flag for official use in Australia. The flag had a 1:2 ratio, it had a royal blue background and in the centre of the flag there is a Royal Crest (a crowned lion standing on a Tudor Crown) and the words "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA" in dark blue letters on a gold scroll below the Crest. A similar design is used in most other Commonwealth realms.[3]
In 1953 the flag was modified again, replacing the Tudor Crown with St Edward's Crown.[citation needed] The flag was otherwise identical to that introduced in 1936. The 1936 version of the flag was again adopted on 1 July 2024 after the installation of Governor-General Samantha Mostyn.[4]
Usage
The flag is flown continuously wherever the governor-general is in residence and is also used as a car flag.
Historical versions
Flag
Date
Description
1902–1909
A Union Flag defaced with a six pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. The crown used is the Tudor Crown.
1909–1936
A Union Flag defaced with a seven pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. The crown used is the Tudor Crown.
1936–1953
A lion statant guardant surmounted on the Tudor Crown on a blue field.
1953–2024
A lion statant guardant surmounted upon St Edward's Crown on a blue field.
2024–present
Reverted back to a lion statant guardant surmounted on the Tudor Crown on a blue field.
^"Australian Flags". Australian Government: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2024. See section "Royal and Vice-Regal flags": updated in 2024, although (as of 30 October 2024) not the booklet itself.
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