The flag of the governor-general of Australia is an official flag of Australia and is flown continuously on buildings and other locations when the governor-general of Australia is present.[1]
History
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 has a 1:2 ratio, it has 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 is otherwise identical to that introduced in 1936.
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–present | A lion statant guardant surmounted upon St Edward's Crown on a blue field. |
See also
- List of Australian flags
- Flags of the governors of the Australian states
- Queen's Personal Australian Flag
References
- ^ "Governor-General's flag". Australian Flag Society. 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
- ^ "Flag for the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia car flagpole and car badge, 1931". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
- ^ "Commonwealth of Australia Gazette" (PDF). No. 56. 16 July 1936. p. 1297.
- Bibliography
- Kwan, Elizabeth (1 May 2006). Flag and Nation: Australians and their National Flag Since 1901. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press. p. 86. ISBN 978-1-7422-4687-1.