State and Territory Flags

Each of the six Australian states has its own official flag consisting of the Union Jack (representing our link with Great Britain) in the upper left quarter. The right side of each flag has a badge. Those badges are combined in the Australian Coat of Arms to represent the six states.

Below are pictures of the state flags
with a close-up of their flag's badges to their right.

New South Wales

NSW Flag adopted: 18 February 1876
The badge depicts a red Cross of St. George. At the end of both arms of the Cross is an eight pointed gold star. In the centre of the Cross is a Golden Lion passant guardant.

Queensland

QLD Flag adopted: 1953
The badge depicts a light blue Maltese Cross with the St Edwards Crown in the centre of the cross. As in Victoria, the design of the flag is changed in accordance with the style of crown chosen by the reigning monarch. The last change occurred in 1953 after Queen Elizabeth II adopted the St. Edwards Crown for her coronation in 1952.

South Australia

SA Flag adopted: 13 January 1904
The badge on the flag of South Australia depicts a Piping Shrike (Gymnorhina tibicen) with erect wings outstretched. Although it's often referred to as an Australian magpie, it isn't a true magpie.

Tasmania

TAS Flag adopted: 29 November 1875
The badge on the flag of Tasmania depicts a Red Lion facing left. The symbolism of the lion is assumed to indicate the state's historical tie with England. The original lion on the badge was altered slightly in 1975 to appear as it does today.

Victoria

VIC Flag adopted: 1953
The badge depicts the Southern Cross with the St Edwards Crown above it. The Southern Cross stars vary in size and range from five to eight points. As in Queensland, the design of the flag is changed in accordance with the style of crown chosen by the reigning monarch. The last change occurred in 1953 after Queen Elizabeth II adopted the St. Edwards Crown for her coronation in 1952.

Western Australia

WA Flag adopted: 1953
The native Black Swan has long been a symbol of Western Australia. Before Western Australia became a state, the original colony was referred to as the Swan River Settlement (although swans are found throughout Australia). Because of this, the swan was suggested as the obvious choice for a badge by Governor Weld in 1870.