Australia Day

This day, our national day, commemorates the first fleet's arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788 to form a colony; a colony that would eventually become the Commonwealth of Australia.

Until the Commonwealth was formed, Australia used Britain's flag, the Union Jack. When the competition was held to design Australia’s own flag, five designs shared the prize due to the similarities of their designs.

In the top left hand corner the Union Jack remains to this day. The Union Jack shows Australia is part of the British Commonwealth. More importantly, it also recognises the tremendous legacy of law and democracy bequeathed to us by that great nation.

The large white star beneath the Union Jack represents the six states and the territories.

To the right are the stars of the Southern Cross, chosen because it can always be seen in the Australian sky at night.

I’m proud of our flag. I’m tremendously proud of our nation and what we have achieved.

Flying this flag today is an honour.