Should the Australian flag be changed?

The debate about whether Australia needs a new flag often divides people across the nation.

Six flags to choose from

Six flags to choose from Source: Supplied

A survey by Western Sydney University has reignited the contentious issue.

The university's Dr Benjamin Jones is conducting research to find out opinions and attitudes towards the Australian flag.

Dr Jones says Australia stands as one of the only nations to still cling to its colonial past.

He believes it's time for a change.

"I think it fails to represent us as a free and independent country," he said.

"It represents the British dominion that we were in 1901, not the thriving, vibrant, multicultural nation that we are today."

However, Philip Benwell from the Australian Monarchist League argues the current flag reflects Australia's past.

"The flag means a lot to people, particularly those who have fought under the flag and to many Australians who value the flag. It represents our country, our system of government and virtually everything that we are," he said.

As part of The Alternative Australian Flag Survey, Dr Benjamin Jones is asking participants to choose their favourite flag from six popular alternative designs.
Six flags to choose from
Six flags to choose from Source: Western Sydney university
Mr Benwell criticised the format of the survey.

"There's nothing wrong about having a survey but in this incidence....there's no alternative viewpoint, there's no provision for people to vote to retain the existing flag and I think that's wrong," he said.

Dr Jones defended his survey, saying there were six different designs that participants can choose their favourite one from.

"They're also given space to say if they don't like any of them and what elements they think should be in there," he said.

"One of the questions does ask if you think the flag should be changed at all."

The survey is partly inspired by the recent two-stage flag referendum in New Zealand.


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