The New Australian Flag
Persuasive Speech
Almost twenty five percent of Australian residents were born outside of Australia. Then why do we proudly show this absurd flag that only represents our connections and history with Britain? A flag is a symbolic representation of its nation and people. We need a flag that can better reflect the values of the twenty first century Australia. I have created a new Australian flag that acknowledges all of its people and that reflects its status as a fully independent country but is still respectful of its British history. In this flag I have recognised Aboriginals and Torres Strait islanders; the original landholders, some historical and cultural connections to Britain and Australia’s beautiful landscape and geographical location.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people are first and foremost Australian citizens therefore shouldn’t they be recognised on our national flag? I have used two black stripes to represent these indigenous Australians and the sun and red land from the aboriginal flag. The national apology to Australia’s indigenous people in 2008 demonstrated the power of symbolic actions to progress recognition and reconciliation. Many of these indigenous people declared on that day, for the first time in their lives, they felt truly Australian. Recognising these people on our flag would also be a symbol of Australian’s respect for the unique cultures of indigenous Australians. Equality, Democracy, Fairness. The values that unite all Australians. Wouldn’t recognising all Australians only affirm these values?
Furthermore, Australia’s historical past has made us the country we are today. Our past connections to Britain have deeply influenced Australia and more importantly have served to create a path to which Australians desire change for the better. I have included the federation star which symbolises the seven colonies during British settlement and kept the blue background which represents Australia’s values: vigilance, truth and
Almost twenty five percent of Australian residents were born outside of Australia. Then why do we proudly show this absurd flag that only represents our connections and history with Britain? A flag is a symbolic representation of its nation and people. We need a flag that can better reflect the values of the twenty first century Australia. I have created a new Australian flag that acknowledges all of its people and that reflects its status as a fully independent country but is still respectful of its British history. In this flag I have recognised Aboriginals and Torres Strait islanders; the original landholders, some historical and cultural connections to Britain and Australia’s beautiful landscape and geographical location.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people are first and foremost Australian citizens therefore shouldn’t they be recognised on our national flag? I have used two black stripes to represent these indigenous Australians and the sun and red land from the aboriginal flag. The national apology to Australia’s indigenous people in 2008 demonstrated the power of symbolic actions to progress recognition and reconciliation. Many of these indigenous people declared on that day, for the first time in their lives, they felt truly Australian. Recognising these people on our flag would also be a symbol of Australian’s respect for the unique cultures of indigenous Australians. Equality, Democracy, Fairness. The values that unite all Australians. Wouldn’t recognising all Australians only affirm these values?
Furthermore, Australia’s historical past has made us the country we are today. Our past connections to Britain have deeply influenced Australia and more importantly have served to create a path to which Australians desire change for the better. I have included the federation star which symbolises the seven colonies during British settlement and kept the blue background which represents Australia’s values: vigilance, truth and