Commonwealth Star
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Commonwealth Star or Star of Federation, is a seven-pointed star symbolising the Federation of Australia. Six points of the Star represent the six original states of the Commonwealth of Australia, while the seventh point represents the territories and any future states. The original Star had only six points; however, the proclamation in 1905 of the Territory of Papua led to the addition of the seventh point in 1908 to represent it and future territories.
The Commonwealth Star is found on both the Flag of Australia and the Coat of Arms of Australia. On the Australian Flag the Star appears in the lower left quarter, beneath the Union Jack. In the Coat of Arms, the Star forms the crest, atop a blue and gold wreath.
The Star also appears on the badge of the Australian Defence Force, although the badges of the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force feature the St Edward's Crown, as in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. In the event of the country becoming a republic, it has been suggested that the Commonwealth Star replace the Crown.[1]
It is also used on the Australian currency, and as an ornament to official buildings such as Parliament House, Canberra.
