In
1865 the Imperial Parliament passed the Colonial Naval Defence Act, it permitted the colonies of Australia to possess and operate ships of war.
This led to the requirement of ensigns (flags) that would distinguish the origin of all vessels belonging
to, or permanently in the service of, Colonial Governments.
The colonies were advised by the Imperial Parliament to adopt flags based on the British Blue Ensign, with their colony
seal or badge positioned in the fly.
The Blue Ensign is a navy blue flag with the Union Flag or Union Jack, of Great Britain, in the upper hoist (upper left corner).
A depiction of Queen Victoria's head (facing right) was the first design
considered for Queensland's badge. However, the Queensland Government decided it was
difficult to reproduce on a flag so an alternative design was proposed.
It is not known why a Maltese cross was chosen for Queensland’s badge. There is suggestion it may be patterned
on the Victoria Cross, a medal awarded for gallantry in battle, which was bestowed by Queen Victoria in
1857. Another
idea is that it may be symbolic of the Southern Cross, a prominent constellation seen from the southern hemisphere and used in other colonial, now state badges.
There is no historical proof, however, documenting the accuracy of
this or any other symbolism.
The royal crown in the state badge is modified depending on the type of crown chosen by the ruling British Monarch. Queen Elizabeth
adopted the St Edward’s Crown at her coronation in 1952, which led to the last alteration of the Queensland flag in 1953.
The Queensland flag was first adopted on the 29th of November 1876, with the current design dating from 1953. |
