“Change The Australian Flag” Says Australian Man Of The Year

There’s a new voice in the debate about Australia’s future affiliations. A man recently lauded for his community work, Simon McKeon (Macquarie Bank chairman) was recently voted Australia’s Man of the Year 2010. Mr McKeon is using his new found prominence to speak out on three of Australia’s most heated debates, areas that will ultimately result in a decisive split from the United Kingdom, it’s former colonial master. McKeon is among an increasing number of voices that is calling for a referendum on the British commonwealth in Australia, arguing that there’s simply no benefit of having a head of state who is half a world away from her subjects. To do this, he believes as many do that Australia should adopt a new flag, and should also change one of its major Australia holidays.

Both objections are in service to aboriginal concerns as well as post-colonial objections. On the left hand side of the Australian flag are the disputed colonial artefacts of the Union Flag and Commonwealth star. On the right are five stars. The five stars represent the constellation of the Southern Cross: look for it next time you Cruise Australia. Many feel that the Australian national flag lacks an identity, being similar to many other former British colonial flags. The holiday objection regards Australia day, the 26th of January. This commemorates the first landing of White European Settlers in Australia, pushing Aboriginal concerns into the background in favour of celebrating an ‘invasion’.

So will you be seeing a new flag next time you fly drive Australia? After years of attempts, there has never really been a popular alternative. Removal of the Union Jack has been considered numerous times, to be replaced by other flags or the Commonwealth star: whilst this would remove ‘subjugation’, it would remain somewhat indistinct. Another flag in common circulation – the Australian Aboriginal Flag (A yellow circle over horizontal halves in Red and Black) – has been considered. However, even the flag’s original designer objects to its use. Revisions to the flag come and go with surges in republican sentiment. In the early 90s, it looked like Australia was moving towards its final split, but this sentiment soon disappeared. But as we move into another decade, it’s back once more.