The South Australian Flag (1904)

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).

South Australia has used 3 flags; the first, adopted in 1870, was very similar to the then Colony of Victoria’s flag and featured the Southern Cross and two pointer stars on a black disc. The Southern Cross is a prominent constellation seen from the southern hemisphere.

To avoid confusion with similar flag designs, South Australia redesigned its badge in 1876 to display Britannia, a female personification of  Great Britain, landing on the shores of Australia and meeting with an Aborigine.

The badge was again modified in 1904, to its current form; it depicts the piping shrike or white-backed magpie, wings outstretched, on a yellow disc. 

The current South Australian flag was proclaimed on the 13th of January 1904.

The Symbolic Meaning

The Union Jack in the upper hoist symbolises South Australia’s historical link to Great Britain.

The piping shrike or white-backed magpie, wings outstretched, is perched on a gum tree branch silhouetted by the sun, the yellow disk. The piping shrike is seen from the back with its head turned.