Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Australian National Flag Day

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (13:46): On 3 September this year I celebrated Australian National Flag Day, commemorating this historical and proud occasion with the Samuel Griffith Society and the Australian National Flag Association. I acknowledge the dedication of Mr Allan Pidgeon AM, chair of the national flag association, to increase appreciation of the history and significance of our national symbol. Few people know that after Federation on 1 January 1901 Prime Minister Edmund Barton announced the federal flag design competition, an Australian government initiative to find a flag for the newly federated Commonwealth of Australia. From 32,823 entries, five created the design we know today, including Ivor Evans, a 14-year-old schoolboy from Melbourne. On 3 September 1901 Prime Minister Edmund Barton announced the winners, and the first Australian flag was flown over the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, not too far from this place. The Australian flag, flown for the past 123 years, is a reminder of the contributions of past and current generations to the nation and of the inheritance that will be passed to future generations. Our flag represents all Australian citizens, regardless of background, race, religion or age. It promotes dignity and respect. It unites all Australians. We should be proud to fly our national flag for many years to come and proud to be Australian.