Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia
| Commonwealth Coat of Arms | ||
 | ||
| Image caption | Poster depiction of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms | |
| Armiger | Commonwealth of Australia | |
| Year adopted | 1912 | |
| Crest | Seven-pointed Commonwealth Star | |
| Supporters | Kangaroo and emu | |
| Compartment | Golden wattle and scroll bearing "Australia" | |
| Earlier version | 1908 Commonwealth Coat of Arms | |
| Use | Official symbol of Commonwealth authority | |
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms serves as the formal emblem of the Commonwealth of Australia, representing national authority and ownership. It is prominently used by Commonwealth government departments, agencies, the Parliament, courts, and statutory bodies.[1]
Description
At the centre of the Coat of Arms is a shield containing symbols that represent the six Australian states, surrounded by a border symbolising federation.
Supporting the shield are two native animals — the kangaroo and the emu — both chosen as symbols of progress since they are known for not moving backward easily.[2]
Above the shield rests a seven-pointed gold Commonwealth Star. Six points represent the states of Australia, while the seventh denotes the territories. Beneath the star lies a gold and blue wreath, which reflects the official colours (livery) of the Commonwealth.
Australia’s national floral emblem, the golden wattle, frames the design. At the base appears a scroll inscribed with the word “Australia.”[3]
History
The 1908 Coat of Arms
The first official Commonwealth Coat of Arms was approved by King Edward VII on 7 May 1908 through a Royal Warrant. That version featured a blue and white shield showing the Cross of St George with five six-pointed white stars and six smaller shields
representing the states. The kangaroo and emu served as supporters, standing on a grassy mound.
Above the shield appeared a gold seven-pointed star of Federation resting on a wreath of white and blue, with the motto “Advance Australia” written below.[4]
The 1912 Coat of Arms
A revised Coat of Arms was granted by King George V on 19 September 1912 through a Royal Warrant that included an official blazon, or heraldic description. This second design became the official Commonwealth Coat of Arms and remains in use today. It was created to include references to each of the states and territories, which were absent from the 1908 version.[5]
Usage
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is used as the formal insignia of the Australian Government. It appears on official documents, publications, and buildings to signify national ownership and authority.[6]
References
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Coat of Arms Poster, Australian Government, p.1.
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Coat of Arms Poster, Australian Government, p.1.
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Coat of Arms Poster, Australian Government, p.1.
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Coat of Arms Poster, Australian Government, p.1.
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Coat of Arms Poster, Australian Government, p.1.
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Coat of Arms Poster, Australian Government, p.1.
