Campaign to change the Australian flag - should we?

[dedja]

Ray Martin has stirred up a bit of a hornet's nest ...

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 01,00.html

FEDERAL Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has dismissed a campaign by former television journalist Ray Martin to replace the Australian flag because it carries the Union Jack.

Mr Abbott says he's happy with the Australian flag and sees no reason to change it.

He dismissed a campaign by "I'm very happy with the flag we've got," Mr Abbott told ABC radio this morning.

"I think it represents our history and I think it represents our future and it's a flag we can be proud of."

He added: "I don't see any reason to change it".



While I'm not too fussed, I've got to admit I wouldn't mind pissing off the Union Jack.

Ideally for me, it would be replaced with the Aboriginal flag.

I realise that this would be an extremely emotive change and quite rightly the Veterans would be up in arms.

So what do you think?

[gadj1976]

As far as I'm concerned, if there isn't a business case showing me what benefit (tangible) we will get out of it, I say "don't change it".

[devilsadvocate]

I realise that this would be an extremely emotive change and quite rightly the Veterans would be up in arms.

So what do you think?

Both of my grandparents fought under our current flag.
I will never, EVER condone it being changed. It's our flag and always should be.

No change.

[Ronnie]

This is surely a non issue if ever there was one.

Dedja i think you've answered your own question, by stating it would be an extremely emotive change.

In other words why stir up completely unnecessary community division. Unless there is strong community support or demand for a change in the flag why would anyone push this? Is there currently a strong push for change, no way. If there was, then by all means look at alternative designs.

So who benefits from these yearly calls from TV celebrities and actors to change our flag, change to a Republic, change the date of Australia day, change whatever else they think is wrong?

Ray Martin is an ex TV journo, why would i respect his opinon on this anymore than my next door neighbour?

As far as im concerned its predictable crap from celebrities who think they know best.

Lets use Australia Day to celebrate the many untold stories of good work from countless people across the country. The volunteers, emergency workers etc, not second rate celebrities whose views on the flag
are stuck in the politics of the 1960s.

[gossipgirl]

I would vote yes if it meant that teh serious water and health issues were resolved

[dedja]

I would vote yes if it meant that teh serious water and health issues were resolved

Which of course it would!

[A Mum]

Simple answer from me to this question.

No.

[Ronnie]

One day an Australian actor, or TV celebrity is apparently going to get up and state that they like the current flag and there is no need to become a Republic.

But that would take some original and independent thinking.

[Dogwatcher]

Both of my grandparents fought under our current flag.

Which war did your grandparents fight in DA?

[Dogwatcher]

Lets use Australia Day to celebrate the many untold stories of good work from countless people across the country. The volunteers, emergency workers etc, not second rate celebrities whose views on the flag are stuck in the politics of the 1960s.

As opposed to those whose politics might be stuck in the times prior to that....

[MightyEagles]

Canada is a country of the commonwealth and they don't have a union jack in their flag. Other commonwealth nations don't have the union jack in their flags eg South Africa.

[Ronnie]

Lets use Australia Day to celebrate the many untold stories of good work from countless people across the country. The volunteers, emergency workers etc, not second rate celebrities whose views on the flag are stuck in the politics of the 1960s.

As opposed to those whose politics might be stuck in the times prior to that....

Thanks for highlighting that, you don't have to be a crusty old conservative out of the 50s to like the flag. Take a look around.

[CoverKing]

I voted YES.

Dont think the Union Jack should be apart of it IMO

[Dogwatcher]

Lets use Australia Day to celebrate the many untold stories of good work from countless people across the country. The volunteers, emergency workers etc, not second rate celebrities whose views on the flag are stuck in the politics of the 1960s.

As opposed to those whose politics might be stuck in the times prior to that....

Thanks for highlighting that, you don't have to be a crusty old conservative out of the 50s to like the flag. Take a look around.

And you don't have to be a tv celebrity or actor to wish it changed either.

[HH3]

I just bought an Aussie themed Quiksilver tank top with the union jack on it...what am I supposed to do with that RAY!!?!?! Jeez...think things through before you open your mouth...

[rod_rooster]

I voted YES.

Dont think the Union Jack should be apart of it IMO

Why shouldn't it be?

[Dogwatcher]

To answer your question about "who benefits from these yearly calls"....we do. By being able to debate our various viewpoints.
And Australia Day should be about volunteers etc (it's feels all right doesn't it?) but it should also be about taking a look at our past, present and future and questioning the good and bad parts of our culture and history.
Hence, it's a perfect time to bring up the flag debate, the anthem or the Republican vote.

Me, I reckon change the flag, leave the anthem and consider republicanism.

[devilsadvocate]

Both of my grandparents fought under our current flag.

Which war did your grandparents fight in DA?

WW2.

One was a Rat of Tobruk. Also served in Palestine and PNG.
The other was in the Navy, predominantly on HMAS Swan.

Also, why are people so desperate to have the union jack removed from the flag?

[devilsadvocate]

Me, I reckon change the flag, leave the anthem and consider republicanism.

What benefit do we get out of changing the flag and becoming a republic?

[Dogwatcher]

Lets dispose of the myth that people fought under the Australian flag:

Throughout World War One and Two, most Australians (which includes my great grandfathers, great uncles and great great uncles) fought under the Union Jack (and also in the Boer War).
If Australians didn't fight under the Union Jack, which was most common, they fought under the Australian red ensign.
Those who fought in the Korean War (including my grandfather) most likely would have fought under either of those flags also.

I'm pretty certain that only those who have fought for Australia in Vietnam fought under the current Australian flag, as it was only officially proclaimed as our flag in 1954.

I don't mind the debate about the flag but this Ted Bullpitt theory about "my grandparents fought under that flag" annoys me as it incorrectly plays on peoples' emotions regarding the flag.