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National flag and state ensign.
The flag of Australia was chosen in 1901 from entries in
a nationwide design competition held following Federation.
It was approved by Australian and British authorities over
the next few years, although the exact specifications of the
flag were changed several times both intentionally and as
a result of confusion. The current specifications were published
in 1934, and in 1954 the flag became legally recognised as
the "Australian National Flag". The flag is a defaced
Blue Ensign: a blue field with the Union Flag in the upper
hoist quarter, and a large white seven-pointed star known
as the Commonwealth Star that symbolises the six states and
other territories of the Commonwealth of Australia respectively;
the remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross
constellation, made up of five white stars - one small five-pointed
star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars.
In addition to the Blue Ensign there are several additional
Australian flags, including the Aboriginal flag, the Torres
Strait Islander flag and the flags of the Defence Forces.
The design of the Australian flag is the subject of debate
within Australia, with some advocating its redesign in connection
with the republican movement.
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