Pidgeon is one of the leading persons focused on promoting the design of the Australian flag and making sure that the original design elements are not altered. The flag of Australia has been in its original design since 1901 when it was flown for the first time. It was the 3rd of September when the flag was first hoisted in Australia, and since then, it has remained in its original state. For those who do not know, the seventh point on the star on the flag denotes all residents of Australia who do not reside in any of the original six states. However, many have stated that the Northern Territory, if it becomes a state, should have its own point on the star.
However, Allan Pidgeon, the President of the Australian National Flag Association, has repeatedly stated that there is no need to make this change, primarily because the seventh star already denotes those residents who aren’t living in any of the six original states. Having been the President and chair of many influential organizations, Pidgeon has written numerous articles and has also campaigned with a passion to promote the Australian flag. He has given interviews on the radio and has also written articles highlighting the importance of maintaining the status quo and making sure that the Australian flag retains the original design elements that it is renowned for. Pidgeon has also given a historical recount, highlighting the fact that the flag didn’t need to be changed at all.
By the Public
Unlike other countries, which have had their flags designed by renowned artists and professionals, the flag of Australia was the first on the planet to have been selected through an open design competition. After the Federation was established in 1901, the Commonwealth Government asked people to submit their designs for the Australian flag. Almost one percent of the population at the time submitted a design, which was a massive turnout at the time. Five entrants were regarded as the winners of the winning flag design, which was flown at the Royal Exhibition Building in 1901. Five years later, another point was added to the star on the flag, denoting residents in all other Australian territories apart from the six founding states.
Logistical Problems of Changing the Flag
First of all, you have to consider the massive cost of replacing every Australian flag out there, which will be very high. Secondly, one of the leading vexillologists in the country, John Vaughan, said that by changing the flag of Australia, the country would also have to make changes to the coat of arms of Australia and the signage of the Defence Force Badge. In fact, even the 50-cent coin would need to be replaced as well. All of this change would become necessary if just one extra star is added to the flag of Australia. Naturally, these are just some of the reasons why the flag of Australia should remain as it is, and why people like Pidgeon are campaigning for that cause.