The Great Flag Debate Australia and New Zealand

Pre-Assessment Questions 1. What flag do Australia and New Zealand have in common on their flags? 2. Why do you think some people would want to even change the flags of Australia and New Zealand? Why do you think some people would be opposed to changing the flag and want to keep the current one?

Australia

National Flag of Australia

Australia/NZ and the Union Jack Australia U. K. New Zealand England

Time for a New Flag? National flag Movement In 1999 Australians voted on a referendum to change the country from the current Commonwealth structure to that of a Republic, however it failed. Still a significant minority of people, including some Australians have been calling for not only a switch to republican status but a switch to a brand new distinct flag without the British Union Jack.

New Oz Flag: The Pros… Pros 1. The current flag is not much different than the flag of New Zealand many others. 2. Canada and South Africa have already successfully created their own unique national flags and still have maintained formal ties with the UK. There are 53 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations — only four of them, (excluding the United Kingdom), still have the Union Flag in their own flag.

New Oz Flag: The Cons… Cons 1. Most Australians are at the very least happy with the current flag and identify very fondly and proudly with it as they love their country! (patriotic) 2. The veterans community is strongly opposed to changing the flag in any way. 3. Australians voted against becoming a republic in 1999 so there is not need to change the flag.

Some new proposals! (Which one do you like? If any! why? )

More popular suggested Proposals!

Or maybe this compromise flag!

New Zealand

Likewise the same democratic debate is talking place now in New Zealand to ?

Some current proposals…

Critical Thinking Question: If you were an Australian or a New Zealander, would you support or oppose a change in your nation’s national flag in a national flag referendum vote. (You are encouraged to find any similar debates that have taken place in other countries regarding either regional or national flags, i. e. Canada or the USA) Write a one page essay defending your vote and try to convince others to vote along with you!

Sources http: //www. ausflag. com. au/ http: //www. flagsaustralia. com. au/newflag. html