Does Republicanism affect the Australian flag?

Australia's becoming a republic is a separate issue from the debate about a new Australian flag. The republic is a Constitutional issue. The flag is not.

Australia can become a republic only through a Constitutional amendment. Section 128 of the Constitution requires that a proposed amendment can become law only if it is approved in a referendum by a majority of voters in a majority of states, and a national majority of voters overall.

In contrast, the Australian flag is governed by an Act of Parliament, the Flags Act 1953. This Act requires that a national vote or plebiscite be held before the Government could change the flag. This Act also requires that the current Australian flag must be one of the options at the plebiscite should such a vote ever be held.

Hence to change the flag, the Australian people would have to vote explicity for a new design in preference to the current flag.

World experience proves that a change to a republic does not mean a new flag is inevitable, or vice versa. Canada changed its flag from a British red ensign to the red maple leaf design in 1965, but remains a monarchy with the British Queen as Head of State. Fiji became a republic in 1987, but chose to keep its light blue British ensign flag.

The two issues are entirely separate and will be debated and decided separately.

Australia can become a republic only through a Constitutional amendment. Section 128 of the Constitution requires that a proposed amendment can become law only if it is approved in a referendum by a majority of voters in a majority of states, and a national majority of voters overall.

Ausflag is an apolitical, nonprofit organisation seeking to secure the popular support of the Australian people for a new Australian flag. Visit their website for more information about the flag debate.

Discuss this issue