Comparing The Australian Flag And The Coat Of Arms

The symbols of our nation represent who we are. Some of us are supportive of these symbols but others disagree that they represent modern Australia. The Australian flag and the Coat of Arms are symbols that represent an Australia that we do not live in. Both national symbols are stereotypical, do not represent our diverse society and do not include our national colours or history. The national symbols should be changed to something that represents modern Australia.

Kangaroos and emus are native to Australia, but how many of us have actually seen an emu? The Coat of Arms is stereotyped in a way it implies that these animals are everywhere in Australia. However, they may be seen daily in some parts of Australia like the Alice Springs but in places near the coast, many would not have seen these native animals. Although the

animals on the Coat of Arms is not an accurate representation, the shield which represents the 6 states of Australia is indeed an acceptable depiction of Australia. We are a unified country and it is shown on that shield. This symbol is already an official design for the 50 cent coin, the passport, and the Australian Parliament. This may be the reasons why it should not be changed. However, by changing the animals on the Coat of Arms, it will give a better representation of Australia.

When you look at a flag, it has significant meanings to that specific country which is special and important to the citizens.

This is not the case for the Australian flag. A Union Jack, the Southern Cross and the Commonwealth Star, are all elements that represent Great Britain. These symbols may be important to those with a British background, however, it does not include those of other backgrounds. Australia is a diverse society with 50% of people born overseas and 20% of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders (2016 census) with a 2.2% annual growth rate (www.abs.gov.au). This leaves out the majority of the population. A flag should represent a nation proudly and honorably, but when the majority of the people are left out, does this suggest that we are not satisfied with the citizens in this modern country? Although the Australian flag is not a precise representation of modern Australia, the Union Jack is still relevant to today’s society. The Union Jack depicts the convict past of our nation and British settlement of this nation. To make this flag represent modern Australia, our diverse cultural needs to be shown through the Australian

flag.

These two representations should include more of our nation’s history and national colours. Our national colours are green and gold so they should be represented on our flag and Coat of Arms. Most Australians believe that the national flag should be changed because it is comparable to numerous flags like the New Zealand and British flag. The blue, red and white on our flag does not have much connection with Australia as it is more related to Great Britain. In addition, more of our modern history should also be included into the new flag and Coat of Arms. By doing this, Australia would have symbols that are a true representation of society.

These symbols can portray us as not appreciative of our country. We are not proud of the majority of our population, give unrealistic stereotypes to the world and does not include our special national history. These fake symbols that does not truly represent our diverse society are things we need to change.