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The current flag of Australia was created as a
result of a contest held in 1901, and was officially adopted in
1903. The design features a British blue ensign, with the Union
Flag in the canton, as well as five stars forming the Southern Cross
on the fly end, and a single seven pointed star under the Union
Jack. The inclusion of the Union Jack in the design reflects
Australia’s history as a colony of the British Empire, and some also
interpret it as a sign of continued loyalty. The Southern Cross is
the most recognized constellation in the southern hemisphere, and
was historically used as a navigational aid for European explorers,
and is significant to Australia and all of its territories. The
Star of the Commonwealth sits separately from the stars of the
Southern Cross, and features six points that represent the six
original states of Australia and a seventh point that represents all
other Australian territories.
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